Tesla’s New 2-Year Lease Option — What Are The Implications?

Tesla just unveiled a new 2-year lease option for the Model S and Model X, apparently following strong customer demand for it.

The 2-year lease option will from the sounds of it only be available for a bit, so those interested may want to hurry to the counter (or Tesla’s website) — as this is simply a “limited time test” of the idea, according to an email sent to those on the company’s mailing list.

The new 2-year leases start at “only $593/month” according to the email, and will be available on all Model X and Model S orders placed by September 12. Obviously, that’s less than a month from now, so it would seem that Tesla isn’t really looking to get too many people onto the 2-year leasing option — rather, it seems that the company wants to get some hard data on what it entails in practice.

The email concludes with a typical sales pitch on why you should go with a Model S or Model X (high performance, best safety ratings of any production vehicles, Autopilot, etc.), and also a reference to the Tesla Referral Program and the possibility of a $1,000 discount.

So, what should one make of the news? There’ll no doubt be some articles popping up on investor sites right about now about how this is a sign that Tesla is going bust, there’s not enough demand, blah blah blah.

But considering that Tesla is apparently (or possibly?) going to be pulling the offering on September 12, after a short initial run, it doesn’t seem likely that the company is even wanting to get too many people onto a 2-year lease — just wanting to test the waters and see what the possibilities and effects are.

As far as Model S demand goes, there are only so many people willing to plop down the cash required for a luxury car, so there will be a topping out of demand at some point. Though, where exactly that’ll be isn’t yet clear. Things will likely be muddied somewhat in that regard as well, as many potential Model S buyers will no doubt now be looking at the Model 3 instead.

Your thoughts on the new lease offer?

Image via Tesla