Tesla Model S & Model X killed in Australia & UK: RHD production cancelled

Tesla has quietly confirmed that the latest Model S and Model X facelifts, despite releasing local pricing in 2021, will ultimately not be built in right-hand-drive.

Outstanding Australian orders made before the books closed last month have been cancelled, with hopeful owners being offered their choice of a full refund for any payments made, or a $3000 cash credit towards the smaller Model 3 sedan or Model Y SUV.

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Letters to Tesla customers state that, "due to recent changes to the vehicle program, [Model S and Model X] will not be available in Right Hand Drive"

"Unfortunately this means your order is unable to be fulfilled and will be cancelled. You will receive a full refund for any payments made.

"We understand that this may be disappointing news to receive and want to apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The letter goes on to confirm that buyers opting for the $3000 credit towards a Model 3 or Model Y are limited to one credit sum per cancelled order, and are only valid for orders made before October 31, 2023.

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The UK market has also been affected by the changes to Model S and Model X manufacturing, with many hopeful buyers facing cancelled orders.

The latest Model S facelift included the anticipated Tesla Model S Plaid, a three-motor performance flagship producing 760kW and 1420Nm – along with a range-wide interior update with a new landscape infotainment screen and the option of a steering 'yoke' instead of a conventional wheel.

While local Tesla sales data was made public only from Q1 of 2022, local Tesla tracker Veda Prime suggests that 2569 Model S cars have been sold in Australia from its launch in 2014 up to 2020, with 1724 Model Xs finding homes between 2016 and 2020.