According to a report by Reuters, the all-electric automaker has remained mum on exactly how many test models it will built, merely confirming that production of regular models such as the Model S and Model X would be halted for a week as its prepares the Model 3.

"This will allow Tesla to begin Model 3 production later this year as planned and enable us to start the ramp towards 500 000 vehicles annually in 2018." an unnamed Tesla spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Last year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk alleged that 370 000 customers had already come up with deposits for the Model 3, which will reportedly retail from $35 000 (R468 301) before government incentives, and that he expects production to fully commence by July this year.

Musk has meanwhile also confirmed that Tesla will enter the Indian market later this year, and that countries such as Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore and Ireland will follow suit in receiving examples of the Model 3.