【】

The "budget-friendly" Tesla Model 3 promised by Elon Musk for years is finally here.

The Tesla CEO teased the announcement Wednesday in a cryptic tweet. Now we finally know the big news: Tesla just made a for-real $35,000 Tesla Model 3 available. On its website, Tesla is pushing the car as $24,450 after tax and gas savings. Before the new $35,000 model was announced, the cheapest Tesla was $42,000.

Tweet may have been deleted

The $35,000 car has 220-mile range and will include an all-glass roof. The standard version previously came with a metal roof, but a nicer interior. (Apparently $35,000 won't get you power seats.)

Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!

Tweet may have been deleted

Tesla is also offering a new "Standard Range Plus" version for $37,000 with 240-mile range and more premium interior.

SEE ALSO:Tesla Model 3 now costs $35,000 if you count incentives and squint really hard

On a call with reporters, Musk called the lower price an achievement, but acknowledged "it's been insanely difficult." He said future Tesla cars could cost even less, but that's more than three years away.

With the more affordable price point finally reached, Tesla made another announcement: all car sales will now happen online. Musk said this move helped keep the new Model 3's price down. Tesla stores will be "more like galleries and information centers," Musk explained. Instead of a test drive you can try the car for a week after purchasing it and return the vehicle if you don't want it. Musk said you would be able to buy a Tesla on your phone in one minute.

One very important question was answered: Why did he change his Twitter name to "Elon Tusk" the day before? He said on the call he was just "playing the fool on Twitter" and that we shouldn't search for greater meaning in the move. This afternoon he switched it back to "Elon Musk."

---

Featured Video For You

---

Elon Musk's Not-a-Flamethrower is silly, and not a flamethrower

---

TopicsElectric VehiclesTeslaElon Musk