Tesla Model 3 Deliveries Leap Ahead In July Offering New Hope For Fans and Reservation Holders

Tesla's Model 3 U.S. deliveries more than doubled in July to 14,250 units. This after two consecutive months at a level of around 6,000 units. Inside EVs, our source for Tesla sales numbers, reports that this is the moment that the Model 3 finally surpassed all other previous EV milestones set in the past.

The Model 3 also now can lay claim to being the best-selling green car in America. The Toyota Prius family sold 7,265 units in July, roughly half the Model 3's level. The Model 3 is still accelerating its delivery rate, so the Prius remains far ahead year-to-date with 53,436 units sold compared to the Model 3's U.S. deliveries of 38,617. By our estimates, the Model 3 will finish the year well ahead of the Prius family. Take note that we are saying "Prius Family." These are not Prius Prime PHEV numbers, but the combined sales of all Prius models. The Prius Prime had a month over month growth rate of about 25%, but dropped slightly below its recent monthly sales rate to 1,984 units in July and a total of 16,239 units sold for the year to date.

The Prius Prime remains the top-selling affordable electric vehicle in America, but the Tesla Model 3 is now by far the overall top-selling EV in the country.

Tesla has been playing for time with announcement after announcement declaring milestones for Model 3 production. While these are always welcome news to fans, the fact remains that the Model 3 is well behind its original launch plan. Elon Musk had promised 20,000 Unit 3 delivery months by the end of 2017. The company has still not had one as far as we can discern from its reporting. Tesla has an earnings report due today that may shed more light on how many Model 3s in total were delivered globally in July. We focus on the U.S. market in our Torque News reporting unless we point out otherwise.

Tesla Model 3 Fast Facts:
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact sedan powered by a battery-electric drivetrain. The Model 3 starts at just under $50,000 and its latest trim announced sells for well into the $80Ks well-equipped. FuelEconomy.Gov lists the Model 3's range at 310 miles. The Model 3's estimated annual fuel cost compares very well to the Toyota Prius Eco's $750 estimated cost and the BMW 330e's estimated cost of $1,400. IIHS has not yet completed testing of the Model 3 due to production delays. However, in the limited tests run so far, the Model 3 has already been eliminated from earning the top safety score possible due to a score on its headlights that is below the threshold for the TSP+ rating.