Tesla Model X Delayed Again
It seems that Tesla is not yet ready to send their Model X crossover to the production line, according to the manufacturer itself.
While the launch was originally scheduled for the end of 2013, it had initially been pushed back to the end of 2014 when Elon Musk announced he wanted to repay the 465 million dollar loan that the U.S. Energy Department offered them when they started.
Another announcement further delayed the vehicle to the first months of 2015, but a recent letter to the shareholders pushed the launch back even further. According to the letter, we can now expect the vehicle to be launched somewhere in Q3 (July-August-September).
This additional delay has a simple cause: according to Tesla, its Model X still has a few tests to pass before it can be declared ready for production. Then, the Freemont factory will have to be retooled to build the SUV. However, the manufacturer points out that Alpha prototypes (the very first) are currently being tested, while Beta (more advanced, with features that are closer to the production version) are being built.
As a reminder, the Tesla Model X will be the very first electric-only SUV on the market. The vehicle will use a modified version of the new all-wheel drive system unveiled on the Model S, but will feature a new chassis. Furthermore, it will keep its butterfly doors that were shown on the concept for the rear, but the front doors will open in the regular way.
Tesla has not announced pricing yet, but some rumours mention a starting price a few thousand dollars higher than the $75,000 asked for the Model S.
