Currently reading: Tesla bumps Model 3 and Model Y prices by more than 4%
Boss Elon Musk previously blamed the growing cost of lithium amid worries of long build delays

Tesla has upped the prices of the Model 3 and Model Y in the UK by more than 4% - or an average of £2300 - and taken the Model S and Model X off sale as it battles production setbacks.

The American electric car maker has bumped the entry-level rear wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 saloon up by £2500 from £45,990 to £48,490

Meanwhile, the long-range variant of the Tesla Model Y SUV has risen by £2000 from £55,990 to £57,990.

Customers could also be in for a long wait for their new cars: Model Y deliveries aren't expected until October and Model 3 buyers will have to wait until the new year.

Last month, Tesla boss Elon Musk confirmed the firm could stop taking orders for certain models in an effort to combat lengthy, supply-related lead times, which he blamed on its ongoing parts-supply issues. 

This has led to both the Tesla Model S saloon and Tesla Model X SUV being taken off sale, with prospective buyers asked to pre-order a vehicle.

Tesla’s website adds that “pricing and options will be finalised as delivery approaches”.

Before being taken off sale, the Model S was priced from £83,980 and the Model X from £87,980.

The news follows a similar price hike in the US, with Reuters quoting Musk as blaming the growing price of lithium – which is a key component in EV batteries – as being responsible for cost increases.

Musk added this was "a limiting factor" to EV growth, encouraging car makers to get into the lithium business.

At the recent Financial Times Future of the Car summit, he said: "I'm confident we will be able to sell all the cars we can make. Currently, the lead time for ordering a Tesla is ridiculously long. Our problem is not demand, it is production." 

Autocar has contacted Tesla for comment on the reasons behind the UK price rise. 

Will Rimell

Will Rimell
Title: Deputy news editor

Will is a journalist with more than eight years experience in roles that range from news reporter to editor. He joined Autocar in 2022 as deputy news editor, moving from a local news background.

In his current role as deputy news editor, Will’s focus is with Autocar and Autocar Business; he also manages Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.

Writing is, of course, a big part of his role too. Stories come in many forms, from interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

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Chelsea1 27 June 2022

I would suggest Elon Musk gets his Replacement Patrs sorted first, A young Girl hit me from behind at 30 mph Damaged looked minimul considering she hit me at that speed.

Car went in for repair on the 15th March 2022 I am still waiting to get the car back Apprently  The body Shop will have the Tailgate Early August supposedly, They have 36 other Tesla in the car park waiting for parts to repair the vehicles.

Anyone wanting to buy a Tesla seriously consider it first.

 

Paul Dalgarno 23 June 2022

My fact based opinion, not like Bill Lyon's nonsense. Maybe you should try facts and not biased random rants?

This takes to the Model 3 into uncompetitive pricing, now £48k vs £40k when I bought mine in December 19 (with a £2.5k government incentive admittedly). Others have also hiked prices, and Tesla are not the worst culprits as others quoted, but takes the economics for a Model 3 outside my range for replacement later this year. Coupled with the terrible decision to open Tesla chargers to other marques it means my next car will be an electric car from another marque.

Bill Lyons 23 June 2022

Old Muky's fairytale is starting to unravel, along with all the other bev fruitcakes.

Well, I suppose there's always stockmarket manipulation to keep the lights on!

What? You've tried that already?

Oh.

Paul Dalgarno 23 June 2022
Bill Lyons wrote:

Old Muky's fairytale is starting to unravel, along with all the other bev fruitcakes.

Well, I suppose there's always stockmarket manipulation to keep the lights on!

What? You've tried that already?

Oh.

Wow, glad you're more successful than Musk, and able to add much to the discussions with your in-depth knowledge and well argued points. 

Tongue firmly in cheek.