Tesla officially notified customers on Dec. 15 of sharp lease payment increases starting Dec. 27, following earlier reports, with Model 3 hikes up to 67%. The changes push buyers to act fast on current deals amid softening sales and post-tax-credit pressures.
Building on initial reports from Dec. 13, Tesla's Dec. 15 announcement confirms the end of aggressive lease incentives designed to boost Q4 deliveries. While detailed pricing for Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck variants was outlined previously (e.g., Model 3 Premium RWD from $299 to $499 monthly, a 67% rise), the hikes underscore the temporary nature of recent subsidies.
Key drivers include low demand after the federal EV tax credit phaseout and unsustainable rates. Analysts view this as classic end-of-quarter inventory clearing, with standard pricing returning soon. Buyers have until Dec. 26 to order/apply and Dec. 31 for delivery to lock in current terms, making immediate action advisable despite looming increases.