Tesla Moves Into Israel With Fairly Low Prices
Tesla has entered the Israeli market with prices that were lower than expected, HAARETZ reports. Tesla’s Hebrew site shows that customers can take delivery of their vehicles in March and reflects Tesla’s plans to target the mainstream market.
Tesla’s “soft launch” just began in Israel this week and the prices start at 180,000 shekels (after taxes), or $54,600, for a Tesla Model 3. That number, the article noted, was well below what was expected. If you don’t count the sales taxes, the cost is 169,990 shekels, or $51,640.
The Model S starts at 320,000 shekels, which translates to $97,300, and will be available in November. That price includes the latest versions of the new Model S Plaid and the refresh.
Tesla’s pricing for the Model X starts at 335,000 shekels, or $101,900, before taxes, or 447,000 shekels, $135,900, after. Fuel savings will help ease the pain of that financial pinch with around 59,000 shekels over the course of 5 years.
The article noted that Tesla included price listings with and without taxes which is probably pointing out the high tax rate on Israeli vehicles. Before the taxes are applied, the Model 3 started at 122,000 shekels or $37,105.
The article also pointed out that Tesla isn’t going after the luxury market. Instead, it’s focusing on brands such as Hyundai, Mazda, and Skoda and aims to force electric car importers and players in the market to change their strategy if they want to compete with Tesla’s cunning technological edge.
Tesla also plans to install Superchargers in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva with its V3 Superchargers in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Chip in a few dollars a month to help support independent cleantech coverage that helps to accelerate the cleantech revolution!
Tesla’s Progress In Israel
If we look back over 2020, we can see how Tesla was laying out its meticulous plans to enter Israel and that these plans are now coming to life. In April of 2020, we noted that Tesla could be launching in Israel soon.
Following that, Tesla began hiring in Israel back in November of 2020. The company was looking for a country manager to take charge of the local market who would hire local employees, work with the Israeli government, and engage suppliers to set up the market. That candidate is also responsible for the “strategic design of our charging infrastructure footprint in the market to enable sales and engage customers.” As you can see from the viewpoint of 2021, Tesla’s plans are progressing. Last month, Tesla obtained its commercial import license in Israel, with online sales then starting within days.
And next month, or perhaps in April — one year after that first article about Tesla moving into Israel — we will probably be reporting more on Tesla’s progress, including sales of the Model 3 there. The future is exciting, for sure, and soon Israel will have more Teslas on its roads bringing the country into that future.
Images courtesy of Tesla
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Latest CleanTechnica.TV Video
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
