Potential customers excited for Tesla's Model 3

Car enthusiasts waited for hours Thursday outside an Eden Prairie dealership for a chance to eventually own the highly anticipated Tesla Model 3, which is being lauded as an affordable luxury electric car meant for the masses.

A horde of potential buyers descended on the Eden Prairie Tesla Motors dealership to put $1,000 down sight unseen for a coveted spot on the waiting list for the new vehicle that isn't expected to begin production until late 2017.

The dealerships started accepting online reservations for the car last night.

"For my husband, it is his dream to have a Tesla," said Deborah Frishberg, 48, of St. Paul. "I had no idea [the line] would be this long."

As with a big concert or several of Apple's product launches, winding lines were reported at Tesla stores across the world.

For many, the Model 3 provides a rare chance to get behind the wheel of a Tesla, known as a premium electric car brand.

With a starting price of $35,000 before government incentives, the Model 3 is less than half the cost of Tesla's previous models.

Few details are known, but it is expected to have a range of at least 200 miles when fully charged, which is about double what competitors in its price range, such as the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3, offer.

To Cotty Lowry, 68, of Minneapolis, who has owned several electric cars including Tesla's Model S, the Model 3 will be a game-changer.

"Clearly, it just kind of brings a really great car to the masses," Lowry said. "This is the wave of the future."

Lowry wasn't at the store Thursday but he plans to reserve his Model 3.

Elon Musk has described the unveiling of the Model 3 as "Part 1." He tweeted that "you will see the car very clearly, but some important elements will be added and some will evolve." A lack of specifics wasn't discouraging those in line.

With its latest model, 13-year-old Tesla Motors hopes to increase annual sales from around 85,000 cars this year to 500,000 by 2020.

Potential customers who wanted some of the first spots in their regional queue had to visit their local Tesla store. Existing customers get priority.

Andrew Wynne, 27, of Grand Forks, N.D., made a five-hour drive to get in line in Eden Prairie.

"I don't mind being an early adopter," said Wynne, who said the lower price point is his chance to buy a Tesla.

Plymouth's Mark Santi, 33, got in line in the rain at 10 a.m.

"It's just really exciting to be here because I think this can be revolutionary," said Santi, referring to some touting the potential of the new model to bring electric cars to the mainstream.

Santi has tried a Tesla Model S and said it was "the best car I've ever driven." He hopes the new model will share similar qualities.

After having his credit card run and his personal information taken by Tesla staff inside the showroom Thursday, Santi said he felt good about his decision.

"It will be fun to have something to look forward to."

Includes reporting from wire services.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495

Twitter: @nicolenorfleet