Tesla Model 3 2022: Australia’s favourite electric car demands a nine-month wait if ordered now

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Wait times for Australia’s favourite electric car – for the Tesla Model 3 – have stretched out to as much as nine months on some variants as a shortage of critical parts – and high demand – begins to affect a vehicle that has been thus far been fairly insulated from delays.

Tesla has reported average wait times of between six and nine months on its website for the Model 3 sedan for orders placed by Australian buyers at the time of writing in mid-March 2022.

Available in three grades that span $63,900 to $88,900, the Chinese-made Model 3 is currently the sole vehicle imported by Tesla in Australia, though local deliveries of the Model S large sedan and Model X large SUV are expected to recommence in 2022.

While specific reasons for the lengthy delay are unclear, the Model 3 sedan continues to be immensely popular with Australian buyers.

Last year, in 2021, 12,094 Australians purchased a Model 3. The vehicle’s success in 2022 is unclear, as Tesla does not report its sales figures to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (as every other mainstream brand does). Still, the Tesla dwarfed the second-placed electric car by sales in 2021 – the MG ZS EV (1388 units sold).

The Australian release of the related Model Y midsize SUV is imminent, with the crossover version of the Model 3 expected to quickly account for the lion’s share of local sales. Tesla has not disclosed the first delivery dates of the Model Y locally, nor have local orders been accepted.

The Model 3 is offered in a choice of three grades, with prices kicking off at $63,900 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level model with a 190kW/375Nm single rear motor with 491km of range (WLTP).

As standard, Model 3 buyers received 18-inch alloy wheels, a 15-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charger, power-adjustable front seats and vegan upholstery.

Buyers can also opt for the Model 3 Long Range that utilises a 258kW/520Nm dual-motor setup and lives up to its name by providing 602km (WLTP) of range at the cost of $76,200 (before on-roads).

For the extra cash, Tesla adds larger 19-inch wheels on each corner, an upgraded 14-speaker sound system, heated rear seats and LED front god lights.

The range-topping Model 3 Performance shifts the attention away from driving range, though still features the ability to travel 547km (WLTP), and packs ferocious outputs of 335Nm/638Nm.

Stopping all that grunt is a set of upgraded brakes and 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Tyres, while buyers also benefit from upgrades such as lowered suspension and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

Tesla Model 3: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Model 3 (RWD, base): $63,900
• Model 3 Long Range (AWD): $76,200
• Model 3 Performance (AWD): $88,900