Why does Tesla make you waive the right to buy at the end of your lease?

[LNL_HUTZ]

I've been leasing cars for many years and this is the first time I've encountered a company that required me to give up the right to buy the car out in order to apply for a lease. It's not a big deal because I don't really expect to buy it at the end and I tend to keep my cars in plenty good enough shape to return without issues, but I can't figure out a reason for this. What am I missing?

 

[MP3Mike]

They have said that they want to use the returned cars for the Tesla Network.

 

[captanzuelo]

Didnt GM put in this clause with their EV-1 leases?

 

[cwerdna]

Elon originally said the Model 3's would be for their robotaxi fleet. I doubt it'll be ready in time by the time the 1st Model 3 leases end.

There are some other vehicles that prohibited buyout at end of lease (e.g. Honda Fit EV and BMW ActiveE). For some, it's that the automaker doesn't want to support the car for longer than needed. The Fit EV was produced in limited quantities for the US (lease only in the US) and was strictly a CA/CARB compliance car. It was available only in a single color: blue.

 

[decrypt]

Didnt GM put in this clause with their EV-1 leases?

GM didn't give people an option to buy the EV-1 new or leased.