Tesla’s Model 3: The iPhone or Blackberry of the Auto Industry?

The Gang discusses the Model 3, Tesla’s attempt to tap the mass market for automobiles.

Many are billing Tesla's Model 3 launch as an iPhone moment. If the hype and preorders are any indication, the boutique electric-vehicle manufacturer has indeed taken another step toward transforming the auto industry.

But could the Model 3 also be a Blackberry moment? If sales don't live up to expectations and Tesla faces any sort of quality-control issue, it could take a big hit. And there are plenty of incumbents looking to fill Tesla's role.

In this week's show, we'll talk about the meaning of the Model 3 with Dana Hull, a Bloomberg business reporter covering Tesla and SpaceX. 

In the second segment, we'll ask how consumers can better protect themselves from fraud or poor investments in home solar systems. And we'll finish with a conversation about James Hansen's latest dire (and controversial) warning on climate change.

Make sure to come to our live show in New York City on May 4. We'll be joined by Yuliya Chernova of the Wall Street Journal and Chris Martin of Bloomberg for a discussion of the hottest topics in energy and cleantech. Our last show sold out, so make sure to get your tickets today!

The Energy Gang is produced by Greentechmedia.com. The show features weekly discussions between energy futurist Jigar Shah, energy policy expert Katherine Hamilton and Greentech Media Editor Stephen Lacey.