Electric automaker Tesla has reportedly started shipping its electric cars with a maximum of 50% state-of-charge for safety reasons. As Tesla aims to compensate customers, it is offering them 150 free Supercharging kilometers.
So what?
Naturally, most EV buyers expect to receive their cars at full charge so they can drive and enjoy them immediately.
That considered, Tesla strived to deliver the EVs to customers with as much charge as possible. However, it has been challenging, particularly during the company’s end-of-quarter delivery drive.
Now, the American EV giant has begun notifying some customers that they may receive their orders with below 50% battery charge.
“Due to a new industry policy, your vehicle must be shipped with a max 50% charge – meaning your Model [*} charge status may be lower than our usual standard at your delivery appointment.
We are giving you 150 km 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.“
Tesla (via Reddit user u/W-001)
Why is it necessary?
Unfortunately, Tesla’s reasoning for the sudden changes is unclear, as it does not provide any real details about the “new industry policy.” All we know is that this practice is safer than shipping EVs with fully charged batteries.
Notably, some shipping firms now require EVs to have a battery charge of 20% to 50% before accepting them on their ships, as they aim to take extra measures against EV-caused fire.
Nonetheless, the mentioned policy is likely beyond the US, considering that the notice used “kilometers” instead of miles. Apart from that, the original poster verified the idea, indicating that it is a China-made RWD Tesla Model 3.
In addition, Intertek indicates that Chinese standards require shipment of li-ion batteries to have below 30% charge under the UN Department of Transportations standards, section 38.3.
See Also:
- Tesla Model Y Long Range estimated delivery delayed to March-May 2023
- Tesla Megapack order page updated with Q4 2024 delivery estimate
- China: Tesla to announce Model S/X Plaid prices on January 6 and start delivery in H1 2023
- Tesla will host a delivery event for the upcoming Semi on December 1
- Tesla China shortens estimated delivery time of Model 3 & Model Y, good news for customers
Therefore, US customers would not likely be affected by the changes. Meanwhile, Canadian customers are now receiving China-built Teslas, so they may encounter reductions in the batteries state of charge upon delivery. Nonetheless, they would receive a generous compensation of 150 free Supercharging miles from the EV giant itself.
