Tesla Model 3 Orders Halted in One Country
Things aren't going too well for Tesla. The global electric car giant has halted Tesla Model 3 orders, citing an interesting excuse.
Tesla is entering an increasingly difficult period as Chinese companies become more widespread. Elon Musk's car giant has recently made an interesting move in Canada.
The US-based electric car brand has suspended order intake for the Model 3 Premium version in Canada. The company states that the import quota for Chinese-made electric vehicles has been filled, but official data from the Canadian government contradicts this claim.
According to a new message published on Tesla's Canada website on Monday afternoon, the import quota has been exhausted due to high demand. The company states that orders will resume if the Canadian government allocates a new quota. The announcement indicates that this date is expected to be March 2027.
Affordable Models Closed, Performance Still on Sale
In line with the decision taken, Premium versions, including the rear-wheel-drive model with a starting price of $39,490, have been closed to orders. Sales of the Model 3 Performance version, which is manufactured in the United States and sold for $74,990, continue.
Shortly before closing orders, Tesla had made various updates to the Model 3, such as a black headliner and a larger screen. However, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging was not among these updates.
It remains unclear why Tesla's announcement specifically points to the date of March 2027. Under normal circumstances, the next quota year begins on March 1.
Government Data Doesn't Match Tesla's Statement
Global Affairs Canada's latest usage report, updated on October 9, does not confirm the claim that the quota has been exhausted. In the second quota period, which began on September 1, only 328 vehicles have been imported so far. According to this data, approximately 99 percent of the current capacity remains unused.
Canada's import framework does not set individual limits by manufacturer. According to Importer Notice No. 1168, permits are distributed to eligible applying importers on a first-come, first-served basis. While the Canadian government reserves the right to introduce manufacturer-specific quotas, no such restriction has been announced yet.
The agreement between Canada and China, which took effect on March 1, allows 49,000 vehicles annually to enter the country with a reduced customs duty of 6.1 percent.
|
Total Annual Import Quota |
49,000 vehicles |
|
Used Since Program Start |
15,931 vehicles |
|
Imported in Second Period (after September 1) |
328 vehicles |
|
Remaining Unused Quota in Second Period |
33,069 vehicles |
How Does This Decision Affect You?
Consumers in Canada who want to buy an affordable Tesla Model 3 will have to look for alternative options. Buyers who can't opt for the $39,490 Premium model will have to increase their budget and turn to the $74,990 Performance model.
If there is no budget flexibility, consumers will either need to wait until March 2027, when orders are stated to reopen, or consider electric vehicle models from other brands on the market. Even though official data shows the quotas are empty, these versions will not be sold until Tesla changes its own internal operational decision.
This article was translated from Turkish. Read the original article in Turkish.