Tesla exits UK chauffeur market as RHD Model S, X production cancelled

Tesla customers who have been waiting since 2021 for new supplies of Model S or Model X cars are faced with the choice of cancelling their orders or accepting a left-hand drive model, after the US automaker announced it would no longer be making the two cars in right-hand drive.

The move, which Tesla said was for reasons of “mechanical and logistical complexities” effectively means Tesla is no longer supporting the UK chauffeuring market. Despite an offer of three years’ free use of Tesla’s supercharger network, most buyers are likely to look elsewhere for a luxury EV.

Tesla has not sold the S or X since 2021, focusing instead on newer Model 3 and Model Y, and the company recently announced a new Model 2 entrylevel model.

Tesla is this month running events in London where customers who have ordered Model S and X can test new-generation LHD models. But with supplies of rival models now becoming more easily available, most buyers are expected to switch to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Genesis.

Model S was launched in 2013, with the Model X following in 2016. But numbers sold have been relatively low, with just over 11,000 Model S and fewer than 6,500 Model X were registered before sales ceased in 2021. Since then, almost 100,000 Model 3s have been sold, with Model Y close behind.

Tesla is also offering those with Model S or X in order a £2,000 sweetener to take a Model 3 or Y instead. But with prices of Model S and X ranging between £95,000 and £125,000, it seems unlikely that S and X customers would want to step down to the £42,000 Model 3.