Tesla introduces cheaper Model S

Tesla Motors on Thursday introduced two entry-level editions of its popular Model S electric sedan starting at a slightly lower price — $66,000 — than the car’s previous cheapest version.

“We’ve heard from a number of people who would like to buy a Model S, but can more easily afford it only at a lower price point,” company spokesman Keely Sulprizio said in a press release.

When production began at the company’s Fremont factory in 2012, Tesla offered a $57,400 Model S 40, with a 40 kilowatt-hour battery pack capable of traveling an estimated 160 miles per charge.

After CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Model 3’s design in March, close to 400,000 people worldwide placed reservations for it.

[...] both the Model S 60 and 60D come with battery packs that are capable of storing 75 kilowatt-hours of electricity but are limited by software to delivering just 60.

“This is exciting news and widens the potential audience for the brand, but it’s only exciting if the vehicles can be delivered,” said Rebecca Lindland, senior analyst for the Kelley Blue Book auto information service, in an email.

Consumers see that they can sign up for the vehicles on Tesla’s website, but likely are wondering when they are really going to be available for them to drive in real life.