Tesla has quietly updated the specifications for the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in Canada, raising the possibility that the automaker could be preparing to switch back to U.S. built vehicles after exhausting its Chinese import quota.
As we first told you earlier this month, Tesla stopped taking new orders for its China-built Model 3 Premium variants, despite strong demand. That’s because the Canadian government effectively placed an artificial cap on Tesla’s ability to import its Chinese-built Model 3 in Canada, leaving customers unable to order the electric sedan.
Tesla’s Canadian configurator continues to display a notice explaining that Model 3 Premium orders have been paused, with ordering is expected to resume in March 2027, provided the federal government releases additional quota.
However, sales of the Model 3 Premium RWD variant could start sooner than that after Tesla made a quiet update to its Canadian website on Monday, suggesting it may be returning to the U.S. for the Canadian market.
While the Premium RWD remains unavailable to order through the configurator, Tesla’s Model 3 comparison page now lists the vehicle with 584 km of EPA-estimated range, up from 463 km.
Acceleration has also improved from 6.2 seconds (if you remember the acceleration spec debacle) to 5.2 seconds. (h/t RJTesla).
The updated range is identical to the 363 miles (584 km) advertised for the U.S. built Model 3 Premium RWD, strongly suggesting that Tesla is preparing to source the Canadian version from its Fremont factory.
Such a move would allow Tesla to offer Canadians another Model 3 without relying on the limited Chinese import quota. However, it would likely come at a higher price.
Before switching back to China-built vehicles earlier this year, Tesla’s U.S. sourced Model 3 RWD had been priced at $55,990 in Canada. The new Shanghai-built Premium RWD launched in May at just $39,490, making it the most affordable Model 3 ever offered in Canada.
The large price difference was due to the fact that U.S. built vehicles currently face Canada’s 25% counter-tariff on applicable American automotive content. This makes it unlikely that a Fremont built version could retain the sub-$40,000 starting price, however, Tesla could price it lower than the $55,990 it was available for previously.
Despite the spec change, the Premium RWD and AWD remain unavailable to order, leaving the U.S. built Model 3 Performance as the only variant currently offered through the Canadian configurator.
Related Articles
- Tesla Model 3 RWD Exceeds EPA Range Rating in Edmunds’ Real-World Test
- Tesla expands Canadian Model 3 lineup with Premium AWD variant from China for under $50,000
- Canada’s Chinese EV imports remain stalled with over 33,000 quota spots unused
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