Tesla Model 3 production starts

Tesla boss Elon Musk has revealed the first production version of his company's upcoming Model 3 – via Twitter, naturally.

Touted as the bourgeoning electric vehicle brand’s first mainstream model, the all-new mid-size liftback was revealed via Musk's own personal account.

The first 30 Model 3 deliveries are expected to land with customers on July 28. Sitting one rung below the large Model S, the smaller model is tasked with taking Tesla to new heights in terms of production and market relevance.

Musk has previously outlined measures to produce 5000 Model 3s per week later this year and up to 10,000 Model 3s per week in 2018.

The mainstream sedan has arguably an even bigger point to prove at Tesla: that of profitability. Already, Tesla’s stocks have risen as order banks for the mid-size sedan swell.

The pure-electric rival to the BMW 3 Series will take a brisk 5.6 seconds to reach 97km/h (60mph) but the biggest news is the confirmation the Model 3 will come with a range of more than 215 miles (346km) – around 35 miles (56km) less than Model S P75.

Other interesting facts about the Model 3 is it will come with a 396-litre boot, which is small for the segment.

Inside, instead of the Model S’ huge 17-inch portrait-mounted touchscreen the Model 3 will come with a, still large, 15-inch display that will sit in a landscape formation.

Musk’s unveiling comes in the same week the Tesla chief travelled to Adelaide to reveal plans for a new battery installation to counter the state’s blackout issues during peak periods.

Musk promised to install the 100MW/129MWh battery facility within 100 days or deliver it free.