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Tesla's top models canned! 2023 Tesla Model S and Model X axed in right-hand drive

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Australians with Model S and X orders will be left disappointed.
Australians with Model S and X orders will be left disappointed.
Chris Thompson
Journalist
15 May 2023
2 min read

Right-hand-drive production for the Tesla Model S and Model X has been put on ice for the foreseeable future, leaving plenty of intending Tesla customers around the world - and here in Australia - left without a delivery coming for their long-held orders.

Communications from Tesla to owners currently waiting on orders for one of the two electric cars have been published on social media and forums by those waiting, or by notable Tesla investors and commentators.

In the statement provided to Australian customers, the company chalks the move up to a "change to the vehicle program" and says "you will receive a full refund for any payments made".

In addition, Tesla is offering a $3000 credit towards a Model 3 or Model Y for Australian customers who have had their previous S/X order cancelled.

Customers who have been given this credit option have to use it by 31 October 2023, with the offer unable to be used across multiple orders or transferred to another customer.

Further to the communications made to existing customers with orders pending, some of whom have been waiting years, Tesla has not publicly made any announcements or statements regarding the change, nor has its CEO Elon Musk taken to Twitter to respond to customers - something he is likely to do given past actions.

The Tesla Australia website remains unchanged, with the Model S and Model X shown on the home page with specifications pages still active, but only a 'Get Updates' button alongside the statement "Model [S/X] is not currently available to order in Australia".

In the UK, Tesla's website confirmed the unavailability of right-hand models with a slightly unusual offer instead - customers are able to order a left-hand drive Model S or Model X instead, with an expected delivery by the end of June this year.

CarsGuide has contacted Tesla Australia for clarification.

Chris Thompson
Journalist
Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant. With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns. From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.
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