Orders for Tesla’s new Model 3 continue to climb

NEW YORK – Demand for Tesla Motors’ new lower-priced electric car continued to climb over the weekend with pre-orders rising to 253,000.

CEO Elon Musk tweeted the numbers on Saturday, which jumped 28 per cent from 198,000 Friday. People pay $1,000 to reserve their vehicle.

WATCH: Tesla’s new Model 3

3:53 Tesla’s new Model 3

The Model 3 is less than half the cost of Tesla’s previous models, and its range is about double what drivers get from current competitors in its price range, such as the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3.

READ MORE: Tesla’s new $35,000 Model 3 finally revealed

It starts at $35,000 and has a range of 215 miles per charge, which is far more than most people drive each day. The orders came from across the globe even though the car isn’t scheduled for sale until late in 2017.

WATCH: Tesla hopes reservations for new Model 3 a sign of what’s to come

1:24 Tesla hopes reservations for new Model 3 a sign of what’s to come