![2017 Tesla Model 3 and 2011 Nissan Leaf, Half Moon Bay, California, Aug 2017 [photo: Scott Forrest]](http://images.hgmsites.net/tmb/2017-tesla-model-3-and-2011-nissan-leaf-half-moon-bay-california-aug-2017-photo-scott-forrest_100616834_t.gif)
Like the company's three previous electric cars, the Tesla Model 3 launched into production with a splashy media event during which owners received the keys to their new cars and the company's fans applauded. Like the Model S and Model X, production is starting at very low rates, with the rate of increase—to 5,000 cars a week by December 31...