Tesla has made a significant change by removing the option to order the Model 3 Long Range in the United States and Canada from its website.
The Tesla Model 3 LR AWD is marked “Available in 2023” at the bottom of the list but is no longer available for ordering.
Previously, it was available for $57,990 (without DST or order fee), with a Q4 2022 or Q1 2023 estimated delivery date for new orders.
It implies that potential buyers of a new Tesla Model 3 are currently limited to choosing between the Model 3 Performance and Model 3 RWD (LR AWD).
In 2023, the Tesla Model 3 LR AWD is anticipated to make a comeback, though the exact date is unknown.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, explained that the queue is too long in a response to one of his followers after the change was noticed and questions arose. Furthermore, he added that it would come back once production rose.
We are not sure whether this answer is fully satisfying, as actually most of the Tesla models have long estimated delivery times. The Tesla Model Y, ordered today, is expected in mid-2023.
In other words, if the queue is the reason, then why is only one particular Model 3 version affected?
Tesla Model 3 estimated delivery time (new orders, US):
- RWD:
18″ Aero Wheels: Nov, 2022 – Jan 2023 (Nov 2022-Jan, 2023 with options)
19″ Sport Wheels ($1,500): Oct-Dec, 2022 - Long Range AWD: To be available for order in 2023
- Performance: Oct-Nov, 2022
Anyway, it might be a pilot move with one version and one model to start somewhere. Some speculate that Tesla maybe is preparing for 2023 and a revised federal tax credit, which might require price adjustments to get under $55,000 and maybe some tweaks to the specs.
It will be also interesting to see what will happen on the production side. Perhaps higher output at the Fremont factory?