Tesla Model 3 in Australia

[Blue heaven]

Tesla Model 3 Right Hand Drive Production To "Probably" Start Mid 2019

Elon Musk
@elonmusk

Replying to @tomkiss
Probably mid next year before we are able to make RHD. Wish it could be sooner. Maybe try a Model S, used or new in the meantime? Used S is better than a new 3 imo, unless you want a smaller car.

 

[Vostok]

Also while I'm here - I don't know if the information in this article is of any use when trying to predict the AUD cost... Tesla starts Model 3 launch in Canada, confirms starting price at $45,600 CAD

It's probably a pretty good guide, since 1 CAD = 1 AUD more or less. AUD might be a little higher given shipping costs.

 

[Vostok]

Elon Musk
@elonmusk

Replying to @tomkiss
Probably mid next year before we are able to make RHD. Wish it could be sooner. Maybe try a Model S, used or new in the meantime? Used S is better than a new 3 imo, unless you want a smaller car.

I want a smaller car. The wait goes on then...

 

[rohan_aus]

It's probably a pretty good guide, since 1 CAD = 1 AUD more or less. AUD might be a little higher given shipping costs.

We also have higher import duties than Canada though. I helped put together a calculator for Drive Zero, we think it's going to be within a few percent of actual: How much will a Tesla Model 3 cost in Australia? - Drive Zero

 

[Chuq]

Alleged Model 3 sighting in Australia...

r/teslamotors - Model 3 in Australia....? Probably someone confused.. but if you are in the area, keep an eye open! Half way between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

 

[Burnt Toast]

A

Alleged Model 3 sighting in Australia...

r/teslamotors - Model 3 in Australia....? Probably someone confused.. but if you are in the area, keep an eye open! Half way between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Absolute bullshit

 

[Chuq]

Absolute bullshit

That's a totally logical first thought, but remember there are photos of a Model 3 in New Zealand for winter testing about a year ago, and there is a Model 3 on display at an official Tesla event in the UK this week or next week. I've also been told there is a motor test track in the area that these cars were spotted.

 

[Blue heaven]

That's a totally logical first thought, but remember there are photos of a Model 3 in New Zealand for winter testing about a year ago, and there is a Model 3 on display at an official Tesla event in the UK this week or next week. I've also been told there is a motor test track in the area that these cars were spotted.

If it was a near full car transporter the cars would be model S and it's highly likely they are, on the other hand one or two model 3s could be shipped over for testing or filming for promotional purposes down the track, if Tesla didn't want these "3s" to be seen that can easily be done but very often a bit of rare car spotting is good for business.

 

[moemoke]

Quote from Chug's link

"My colleague who does a lot of driving (3+ hours each day) claims he spotted a bunch of model 3's being delivered into Brisbane today. I'll called him out on it, but he claims he knows the difference between a Model X and an S. Anyone heard about deliveries (possibly demonstrators) into Australia?"

I think they will be S's, his friend claims he knows the difference between an X and an S, the difference between an S and a 3 is a lot more subtle especially from side and rear unless they are side by side.

 

[brendon1970]

My wife and I saw a transporter heading north to Brisbane full of Teslas some months ago. We thought they were 3s as well.

However we pulled ahead and charged at Heatherbrae and waited for the truck. On inspecting photos they were definitely S&X, its a bit deceptive the large truck makes the cars look small and umm rather 3ish.

 

[Miggy]

Apart from the two Model 3's that where in New Zealand last year, it now looks like a new one has arrived.
I'm heading down there next week so will have the camera ready.

Spied: first Tesla Model 3 spotted in New Zealand

Looking at these photos in more detail, I think this is the same car that was seen last year.
Rear Rego Plate 63277 but they have swapped the wheels around.

 

[reecho]

Looking at these photos in more detail, I think this is the same car that was seen last year.
Rear Rego Plate 63277 but they have swapped the wheels around.

The 63277 number is a Tesla manufacturer plate. This is a new VIN...

 

[Vostok]

If there are any Model 3s here, and I seriously doubt there are, they will be LHD and unable to be legally driven on public roads in Australia.

The first Model X here was LHD and used purely to show to journos. No one was allowed to drive it.

Tesla has not even made a prototype RHD Model 3 yet.

 

[Shock-On-T]

Always amazes me how anal Australia is about LHD.
I’ve lived in France and England, merrily going back and forth with both LHD and RHD cars. Such a non-issue.

 

[Chuq]

they will be LHD and unable to be legally driven on public roads in Australia.

I'm sure there's some allowance for this. Wiebe Wakker is travelling NT/WA at the moment in his converted VW from the Netherlands. He got a temporary permit in Darwin and that's it.
Plug Me In

 

[Vostok]

Chuq - there can be exemptions granted for collectible, vintage or other special vehicles. But not for a production car. I assume Wiebe Wakker’s VW falls into the “special vehicles” category.

 

[meloccom]

Chuq - there can be exemptions granted for collectible, vintage or other special vehicles. But not for a production car. I assume Wiebe Wakker’s VW falls into the “special vehicles” category.

A tourist is allowed to bring in a LHD vehicle and drive it legally in Australia. I think the maximum period is 12 months.

 

[Candleflame]

I thought Northern Territory you can just register any LHD? They managed to get a special deal due to the very high amount of LHD in the country left over from american soldiers I think.

AFAIK there is no time limit for a foreigner to drive their car in Australia but you technically will have an invalid number plate if you dont bring it back for the usual european inspections i.e. MOT every 3 years in UK or TUV in Germany every 2 years.

 

[Miggy]

You can now build your own Model 3 on Tesla's USA web-site by changing the flag at the bottom of the page. gives you some idea of your build and price in US$.

 

[Asymmetry]

my guess wont see until 2020. European orders will probably come before us.

Looking at the internets, base $53k