Tesla has kicked off the new year with another new incentive, this time in Japan, launching a limited-time 0% special interest rate offer for the Model 3 and Model Y. When combined with Japan’s national Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) subsidy, the offer dramatically lowers the effective cost of ownership and pushes monthly payments to levels rarely seen for new electric vehicles (EV) in the Japanese market, or any market around the world.
Under the deal, buyers can finance eligible Model 3 or Model Y vehicles at 0% interest for up to five years, provided they complete delivery by March 31, 2026. The offer applies to both inventory vehicles and custom orders.
Japan’s ¥1.27 million CEV subsidy (C$11,125 / US$8,100), when combined with the financing promotion, significantly reduces the effective purchase price.
With the subsidy applied, Tesla says the entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) can be purchased from an effective cost of around ¥4.04 million, while the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) starts from approximately ¥4.30 million. Local government incentives can further improve the deal.
So how does that translate into monthly payments? According to Tesla, a Model 3 RWD financed over 60 months at 0% interest shows a monthly payment of roughly C$155/US$113, while the Model Y RWD comes in at about C$165/S$120) per month.
Japan remains one of the world’s most challenging markets for EV adoption, with hybrids dominating sales and full battery-electric vehicles still representing a small share of new registrations. By pairing zero-interest financing with substantial subsidies, Tesla is clearly aiming to reduce upfront cost anxiety and attract first-time EV buyers who may have previously considered the brand out of reach.
