Tesla says 276,000 Model 3 cars already pre-ordered

Electric car maker Tesla said it had received 276,000 pre orders for its yet-to-be-built Model 3 within two days of launch.

Chief executive Elon Musk revealed the figure on the weekend, adding that the company would have to “rethink production planning”.

Customers can reserve one of the “affordable” cars for £1,000 ($1,000 in the US and €1,000 in the eurozone). The deposits will give Tesla a handy surplus even before the first models roll off the production line next year.

The Model 3 is a four door sedan with a base price of $35,000 (£24,500) and was launched officially by Tesla last week.

Musk said the car would have a minimum range of 215 miles per charge, seat five adults and travel from zero to 60 mile per hour in six seconds.