Tesla Model 3: Features That Never Made It From Prototype to Production The Tesla Model 3, which debuted a decade ago, marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry by proving that mass-market electric vehicles could be both practical and innovative. Its development faced significant challenges, including what Elon Musk famously termed “production hell,” a period of intense manufacturing struggles to scale production to 5,000 units per week by 2018. Before the Model 3 reached consumers, Tesla unveiled its initial design concepts, which showcased features that were ultimately omitted from the final production model. A closer look at these early prototypes reveals the compromises made to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs while maintaining the car’s affordability. The prototype vehicles featured several distinct exterior elements that were later removed. One of the most notable was the Model S-style self-presenting door handles, which physically popped out as the driver approached. These mechanical handles were replaced in production with the simpler, flush manual pivot handles seen today. Inside the cabin, the original design leaned heavily into an ultra-clean white aesthetic, with door panels and interior door handles almost entirely white. This made the white trim significantly more dominant than the more subdued color schemes used in the final production models. The center console also included a solid white trim plate with integrated cup holder covers, a design choice that was abandoned in favor of a more streamlined approach. Interestingly, the upcoming three-row, six-seat Model Y appears to be incorporating a return to this covered console design.#tesla #elon_musk #model_y #model_3 #lars_moravy
