Tesla no longer manufactures a right-hand drive version of its Model S and Model X electric vehicles.
Orders from customers from countries that drive on the other side of the road, such as the United Kingdom, have been canceled and buyers have been told to opt for a different model, an inventory car or a version with a steering wheel left.
Around 30% of the world’s countries drive on the left side of the road, with the UK being the best known, but the list also includes highly populated countries such as Japan, Indonesia and India.
This is the message Tesla is sending to buyers who had a reservation:
Due to recent vehicle program changes, Model X will not be available as a right-hand drive. Unfortunately, this means your order cannot be fulfilled and will be cancelled. You will receive a full refund for all payments made. We understand that this may be disappointing news and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Tesla has offered a credit for buyers to purchase a Model 3 or Model Y, though only if they do so before October.
british publication Bus confirmed the cancellation of right-hand drive versions. Customers with canceled UK orders receive a £2,000 credit towards a Model 3 or Model Y.
He also claims that “a representative” of Tesla told him that the abandonment of right-hand drive production was done for quality control reasons.