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But it IS more expensive as someone quotes above:

When purchasing, the restyled mid-size Camry hybrid is still more affordable than the Model 3, with a base MSRP of $29,804, whereas the Tesla’s entry-level sedan retails for $40,380 (including destination) and doesn’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

This leasing thing is either accounting acrobatics or high residual value or both.

It's both, but who cares? The lease makes it eligible for the $7500 credit due to weird rules, and a high residual makes up for the rest.

But it's Tesla taking the risk with that high residual, not you.

Only if you don't keep the car at the end of the lease, ofc.

At $300 a month, you'd have to keep the $40,000 car for >11 years for it to be cheaper to buy than to lease.

(this weirdness is due to the fact you don't get the $7500 if buying this particular Model 3)

... if you want to keep the car after the lease is over ...

Batteries are expensive. And Teslas are expensive. I guess the 3 is a couple generations old, though? Is that why it's cheaper? My friend got a model Y recently

The 3 just got a refresh a few months ago.

Model 3 is a Cushman with doors.