If you’ve been eyeing a sleek Tesla Model S or Model X across the pond in Europe, you might want to pump the brakes. Tesla just quietly stopped taking new orders for these flagship rides, and it’s got folks scratching their heads. It’s not like your favorite restaurant running out of burgers; this could be a bigger supply snag or something else brewing. honestly, who doesn’t love a good mystery in the auto world?
You’re all pumped up, scrolling through Tesla’s website, customizing your dream Model S with that killer autopilot and plush interior. But bam – instead of the order button, you’re redirected to a page showing only leftover inventory cars. That’s exactly what’s happening right now in Europe. Tesla deactivated the online configurators for both the Model S and Model X, leaving buyers high and dry for custom builds. Ouch, right? It’s frustrating, especially if you’ve been saving up or waiting for the perfect family hauler.
This isn’t Tesla’s first rodeo with this kind of hiccup. Back in 2021, they unveiled a big refresh for the S and X in January – think updated designs, better tech, the works. They kept taking orders until December, then poof, everything stopped. Europeans had to wait a whopping eight months until August 2022 before orders reopened. It was like being told your favorite band’s tour is postponed indefinitely – total bummer for fans.
In June, Tesla rolled out another minor refresh for these models. Nothing earth-shattering, but enough to keep them fresh – maybe some tweaks to the battery life or interior gadgets. Just over a month later, here we are again with the order freeze. Why the repeat performance? The reason’s still a bit foggy, but let’s connect the dots like detectives on a stakeout.
| Aspect | Details/Values | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Refresh Unveil | January 2021 | Orders continued until December 2021. |
| 2021 Order Stoppage | December 2021 to August 2022 | 8-month pause in Europe. |
| 2022 Orders Reopen | August 2022 | After production ramp-up issues. |
| 2025 Refresh Unveil | June 2025 | Minor refresh announced. |
| 2025 Order Stoppage | July 2025 (just over a month after refresh) | Ongoing; only inventory available. Reason unclear (supply? tariffs?). |
| Production Location | Fremont, CA (USA) only | No Europe production; shipping delays possible. |
| Current Wait Time (CA) | 2 months for made-to-order Model S | Lead time in California; Europe likely longer. |
| Demand Trend | Declined over last few years | Production capacity reduced. |
| Tariff Impact | 15% on Japanese battery cells (US-imposed) | Affects costs; fluid situation. |
These bad boys are only built at Tesla’s Fremont factory in sunny California. No European assembly line means everything has to ship across the ocean, which can turn into a logistical nightmare. After the last refresh, Tesla struggled to ramp up production – think assembly lines grinding to a halt while they ironed out kinks. Demand for the S and X has cooled off over the years too, so they’ve dialed back capacity. Right now, even in California, there’s a two-month wait for a made-to-order Model S. That’s like ordering a custom pizza and being told it’ll take weeks – nobody’s got time for that!
When lead times stretch out too far, especially for international shipping, Tesla sometimes hits the pause button to avoid disappointing customers. It could be as straightforward as that: They need to beef up production to satisfy North American demand first before tackling Europe. Imagine being a busy parent juggling work and kids – you handle the home front before inviting guests over. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
But there’s another wrinkle that adds a human touch of uncertainty. Tesla might be playing it safe with pricing. The U.S. just slapped a 15% tariff on battery cells coming from Japan, where some of these components are made. Costs are fluctuating like gas prices during a holiday weekend, making it tough to lock in a fair price months in advance. Nobody wants to promise a deal and then hike it later – that’d be like your buddy borrowing money and forgetting to pay you back. Tesla’s probably waiting for the dust to settle to avoid any backlash.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re in Europe, snag one of those inventory vehicles if it fits your vibe – they might be your best bet for now. For the rest of us watching from the States, it’s a reminder that even giants like Tesla face real-world hurdles, from supply chains to trade wars. It’s all part of the EV journey, folks – exciting, unpredictable, and full of plot twists.
Hang in there, Tesla fans. Whether it’s a quick fix or a longer wait, these refreshes usually lead to even better rides. In the meantime, maybe dust off that bicycle or give your current car some love.
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