Document Decodes Tesla VINs

TMC Member TEG tracked down an interesting document Tesla sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that decodes the VIN for Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3.

The Model S, Model X and Model 3 receive a “5YJ” as the first three characters, which serves as the company’s World Manufacturer Identifier, obviously noting the manufacturer of the vehicle.

The remaining characters break down like this:

Digit 4: Make/Line/Series
S = Tesla Model S
X = Tesla Model X
3 = Tesla Model 3

Digit 5: Body Type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
A – Hatch back 5 Dr/ LHD
C = Class E (6001-7000 lbs) GVWR / MPV / 5 Dr / LHD
E= Sedan 4 Dr / LHD

Digit 6: Restraint System
1= Type 2 manual seatbelts (FR, SR*3) with front airbags, PODS, side inflatable restraints, knee airbags (FR)
A = Type 2 manual seatbelts (FR, SR*3, TR*2) with front airbags, PODS, side inflatable restraints, knee airbags (FR)
B = Type 2 manual seatbelts (FR, SR*2, TR*2) with front airbags, PODS, side inflatable restraints, knee airbags (FR)
D= Type 2 Manual seatbelts (FR, SR*3) with front airbags. PODS, side inflatable restraints, knee airbags (FR)

Digit 7: Fuel Type
E = Electric

Digit 8: Motor/Drive Unit
1= Single Motor – Standard
3= Single Motor – Performance
2 = Dual Motor (standard)
4 = Dual Motor (performance)
A= Single Motor – Standard
B= Dual Motor – Standard

Digit 9: Check Digit To be assigned by manufacturer pursuant to 49 CFR § 565.6(c)

Digit 10: Model Year
H = 2017

Digit 11: Plant of Manufacture
F = Fremont, CA

Digits 12-17: Unique serial number

The document also includes photos to note the location of the VIN. See TEG’s post here.

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