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 their Model 3 will be shipped with a maximum of 50 per cent charge. As compensation they will be given 150km of free Supercharging a few days after taking delivery.
The user confirmed their vehicle is a made-in-China Tesla Model 3 RWD. It’s unclear exactly which market the vehicle is bound for, though we do know Australian-specification Model 3 and Model Y vehicles are manufactured in China.
CarExpert understands that prospective Australian Tesla Model 3 and Model Y customers won’t receive the credit for 150km of free Supercharging as these vehicles are charged up after shipping at the company’s Delivery Centres.
“Due to a new industry policy, your vehicle must be shipped with a max 50 per cent charge – meaning your Model 3 charge status may be lower than our usual standard at your delivery appointment,” said the company in its email.
“We are giving your 150km of free Supercharging for the inconvenience. You will be able to redeem your Supercharging credit a few days after delivery in the Loot Box in your Tesla app.”
While Tesla doesn’t specify which new industry policy it’s referring to, some shipping companies require EVs to have less battery charge in order to reduce the risk of fires during shipping accidents.
The United Nations also specifies in sub-section 38.3 of its recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods that lithium-ion batteries should be shipped at a battery state of charge of 30 per cent.
Are you soon set to take delivery of a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y and have received a similar email? We’ve love to hear from you in the comments below.
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