Tesla delays Model S deliveries to 'prioritise higher-paying customers' in the US

Tesla has delayed Model S deliveries in the US, with some buyers now facing total wait times of up to a year.

US website Electrek reports that customers who ordered cars for delivery in August have had timeframes pushed back to October, while more recent purchasers can now expect cars to arrive as late as February next year. According to one buyer, their Model S Long Range ordered in January 2021 now faces a February 2022 delivery..

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Tesla customers have apparently received little explanation from the company, with some even having allocated VINs removed from their accounts without reason. Tesla recently issued a message which reads in part:

"You may see a delay with regards to your delivery timeline.

"We understand this may be disappointing and apologize [sic] for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please continue to check your Tesla Account for any changes to your timing, which should remain updated to represent our best estimate.”

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While the apology lacks any specific reason for the delay, its proximity to recent Model S price hikes is fuelling speculation that higher-paying customers are being prioritised.

US pricing for the high-performance Model S Plaid jumped by US$10,000 (AU$13,579) in June, which was followed by a similar increase for the Long Range in July and August.

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Customers who paid the higher price are now allegedly getting shorter delivery timeframes than those who paid the original, lower price.

In fact, some buyers are reporting they have been offered delivery as early as this month if they update their order and pay the extra $10,000, according to Electrek.

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Australian buyers can still expect both versions of the Model S to arrive by the end of 2022. The Long Range has been subject to a $7290 price rise to now sit at $141,990, while the Plaid remains unchanged at $186,990. Both are before on-road costs and the Luxury Car Tax.

Cybertruck production has also been delayed until at least 2022, though it won’t be sold locally.