In a sudden reversal Tesla says it is scaling back store closings and raising its prices.

The electric car maker said in a statement late Sunday that most models will go up in price by about 3% after it decided to "only close about half as many stores" as previously planned.

Tesla said less than two weeks ago that it would shut down most of its stores - shifting purchases to online or by phone - so that it could reduce the price of its best-selling vehicle, the Model 3, to as low as $35,000. 

The most basic version of the car will be sold at that price but CEO Elon Musk said it is difficult to create it for so cheap.

The new 3% price increase will apply to more expensive editions of the Model 3, the Model S sedan, and Model X crossover.

Changes will take effect on March 18th.

Tesla currently has 378 stores and service centers worldwide.

Some stores that have already closed are expected to reopen but with fewer staff.