If you compare it to other cars without the hype but a comparable EV range, say a Hyundai ioniq (33k), Chevy bolt (36) or the Nissan leaf (32), the model 3 (40)

If you compare it to other cars without the hype but a comparable EV range, say a Hyundai ioniq (33k), Chevy bolt (36) or the Nissan leaf (32), the model 3 (40) is in the same range albeit at the high end. It also has the best range of the lot of them. Maybe you're claiming all the other electric cars like, say, the Buick Velite or the Kia Soul EV have some hype price premium too. I really don't think most non-car people have ever heard of those models though so I doubt they can pump the price based on hype. To claim it is like a Mitsubishi mirage at 15k is disingenuous.