Tesla starts delivering cars with less charge

Tesla appears to have started shipping its electric vehicles (EVs) with less battery charge than before due to a “new industry policy.”

Reddit user W-001 posted a screenshot of an email stating they are model 3 Shipping is with a maximum 50 percent surcharge. As compensation, they will receive 150 km of free Supercharges a few days after receipt.

The user confirmed that their vehicle is a China-made Tesla Model 3 RWD. It’s unclear exactly which market the vehicle is intended for, although we do know that Australian-spec Model 3 and Y vehicles are made in China.

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We have contacted Tesla Australia to confirm if this change will be applied locally.

“Due to a new industry guideline, your vehicle must be shipped with a maximum of 50 percent charge — meaning your Model 3 charge status at your delivery date may be lower than our usual standard,” the company said in its email.

“For the inconvenience, we will donate you 150km free Supercharger. You can redeem your Supercharger credit in the loot box in your Tesla app a few days after delivery.”

While Tesla doesn’t specify which new industry policy it’s referring to, some shipping companies are requiring EVs to have lower battery charges to reduce the risk of fires in marine accidents.

The United Nations also stipulates in subsection 38.3 of its recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods that lithium-ion batteries should be shipped with a battery state of charge of 30 percent.

Are you about to deliver a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y and have you received a similar email? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.

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