When will the Tesla Model Y go on sale in Australia?

It appears plans to launch the new electric SUV this year may have fallen through. Why isn’t the Tesla Model Y on sale, and when can we expect to see it Down Under?

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The Tesla Model Y – which is currently the world’s best-selling electric SUV – is still not on sale is Australia.

Government filings, online tracking services, and Tesla service staff contacted anonymously by Drive earlier this year originally suggested the vehicle was on track to arrive in Australia before the end of 2021, however it appears this is no longer the case.

So what happened, and when can we expect to see the high-riding Tesla on local roads?

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One theory suggests a deal with US rental giant Hertz in late October to sell 100,000 Model 3 sedans put the brakes on local deliveries, as the two models share approximately 75 per cent of their components.

This roughly lines up with Drive’s original estimate for an Australian launch (early November 2021), however beyond the obvious circumstantial evidence, this has not been verified.

Others have speculated the homologation process – which is notoriously complex in Australia – may have posed problems for the manufacturer, causing a planned launch to be pushed back.

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A spokesperson for Tesla did not respond when approached for further information, and a phone operator for the marque said: “We don’t know when [the car will arrive].”

Government certification documents recently seen by Drive – which have already been lodged by the electric vehicle maker in Australia – suggest sales are imminent, however it’s unclear if the paperwork was filed before a delay was implemented.

As such, it’s difficult to accurately predict when the vehicle will become available to local buyers.

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Evidence suggests a launch in the first half of 2022 is highly likely, although this is yet to be officially confirmed. The Model Y is currently the only Tesla model customers cannot place a deposit on in Australia.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch, and you can read our report on local specifications by clicking here.

This story will be updated if more information becomes available. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest details.

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