Heading to conquer Japan, Tesla crashes the price of its Model Y

In its expansion logic, Tesla is aggressively entering numerous markets, including Japan, which has long been hostile towards it.

Protectionism is everywhere, and breaking down barriers takes time. However, when a product is globally famous, it is impossible to indefinitely deny it the right to exist.

Tesla is ramping up its efforts in Japan, where its Model 3 is still not eligible, as of June 2024, for decarbonization subsidies for the automotive fleet. Conversely, the Model Y, the best-selling car in the world in 2023, qualifies for these subsidies. As a result, we are witnessing the commercial tsunami that Tesla desires.

An unbeatable price!

In Japan, the VAT on automobiles is only 10%, compared to 20% in France. The Land of the Rising Sun does not yet enjoy the Long Range Propulsion version, so let’s focus on the most popular one (to date), the simple Propulsion.

There, its range is certified at 507 km, compared to 455 km in Europe. It’s a matter of anti-pollution testing processes. Additionally, it should be noted that the standard wheel covers are the highly publicized 19-inch Gemini wheels in anthracite color. All of this comes at a price of 5,337,000 yen… or 31,600 euros!

However, you must also add 100,000 yen (588 euros) for registration fees. But (because there is a but), the subsidies for new electric vehicles must then be deducted: -650,000 yen, approximately -3,800 euros.

Up to 20,000 euros cheaper?

In the end, the Tesla Model Y Propulsion drops to 27,800 euros, compared to 40,990 euros in France, where the 4,000 euro bonus is also deducted. Certainly, the difference in VAT weighs heavily between the two countries (3,660 euros precisely). Shipping costs from China are also lower to reach Japan, which is just a few thousand kilometers away.

In the same vein, the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance versions cost 32,800 euros and 37,200 euros, respectively. In France, they are priced at 51,990 euros and 57,990 euros, making them nearly 20,000 euros more expensive! What a shame…

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