Video: The age of the electric car

(AAP)
(AAP)

Electric cars have been dreamed of for decades, but it finally looks like their moment has arrived.

More than 300,000 people have now paid $1000 (NZ$1460) to pre-order a Model 3 Tesla.

The car has a starting price of US$35,000 (NZ$51,000). A tax credit will lower that price to US$27,500 (NZ$40,000).

Once you add on some special features Tesla estimates that the average price will be US$42,000 (NZ$61,000) in the United States.

But there are big challenges for Tesla as it aims to have the first Model 3s roll off the production line late next year.

Watch the video.