Tesla has made a significant move and has removed the possibility of ordering the Model 3 Long Range in the United States and Canada from its website.
The Tesla Model 3 LR AWD is no longer available for order and appears dimmed at the bottom of the list with the notation “Available in 2023.”
It was previously offered at $57,990 (no daylight-saving time and order fee) with an estimated delivery time (new orders) of Q4 2022/Q1 2023 depending on the configuration.
It means that customers interested in a new Tesla Model 3 must currently choose between entry-level Model 3 RWD and Model 3 Performance (LR AWD).
The Tesla Model 3 LR AWD is expected to return in 2023, but it’s unclear when exactly.
Once the change was discovered and raised questions, Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to one of his followers by explaining that the tail is too long. Not only that, but he also added that he will return when production increases.
“The waiting list is too long. It will be enabled again as we ramp up production”
We are not sure if this answer is satisfactory since, in reality, most Tesla models have estimated delivery times for a long time. The Tesla Model Y, ordered today, is expected in mid-2023.
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In other words, if the tail is the reason, why is only a particular version of the Model 3 affected?
Estimated Tesla Model 3 delivery time (new orders, US):
- RWD:
18″ aerodynamic wheels: November 2022 – January 2023 (November 2022-January 2023 with options)
19″ Sport Wheels ($1,500): Oct-Dec, 2022
- Long-range AWD: will be available for order in 2023
- Performance: Oct-Nov, 2022
Anyway, it could be a pilot movement with a version and a model to start somewhere. Some speculate that Tesla is perhaps gearing up for 2023 and a revised federal tax credit, which could require price adjustments to get less than $55,000 and maybe some tweaks to specifications.
It will also be interesting to see what will happen on the production side. Perhaps more production at the Fremont factory?
