Elon Musk Launches Program Encouraging Trade-In of Combustion Engine Cars for Tesla Electric Models

The New Program by Elon Musk for Swapping Combustion Engine Cars for Electric Cars Offers a Variety of Attractive Benefits, Including a Free Evaluation of the Enhanced Autopilot

Although it often seems that Elon Musk’s Tesla is trying to limit demand for its vehicles by raising prices, this is not necessarily the case and may depend on the market, timing, and various other factors. As Tesla works to increase its production in China following the closure of its previous factory, demand for its electric cars is steadily growing. In the meantime, the automaker is launching a program to further boost orders.

Tesla to Swap Combustion Engine Models for Electric Cars

According to a recent report from Teslarati, Tesla has initiated a new program in China to convince buyers of combustion engine cars to swap their vehicles for a new electric car.

For Tesla buyers participating in the program, there are some attractive incentives available. The information about the new program came from the Shanghai Securities Journal, although Teslarati makes it clear that the newspaper is relying on an anonymous source familiar with the matter, which is typical in much of the news related to Tesla.

In any case, the article shares that the new trade-in program for combustion models will apply to Tesla vehicles ordered in China from July 1, 2022, and the program will run until the end of the year. For buyers to take advantage of the program, they will need to complete and sign a trade-in agreement before receiving their new Tesla.

Tesla Announces It Will Visit Customers’ Homes to Evaluate Their Trade-In Vehicle

Currently, it is estimated that Model 3 sedans ordered in China will be delivered in about 12 to 20 weeks. Much like the situation in the U.S., the more expensive versions of the Model 3 appear to be delivered earlier than the base options.

However, the basic Model Y may be an exception, with an estimated delivery time of less than 10 weeks. Meanwhile, other variants of the Model Y have delivery times of 12 to 24 weeks, depending on the model.  

We can only assume that if this program is successful, the above delivery estimates may be pushed even further out. Elon Musk’s automaker in China is, however, ramping up and upgrading to increase production at Giga Shanghai.

Elon Musk’s Automaker Sold 32,165 Cars in July, of Which 22,340 Were Exported

Electric cars are becoming popular in China thanks to the government’s aggressive promotion of zero-emission vehicles with subsidies and policies. 

For example, buyers of electric vehicles in Beijing can receive a subsidy of up to 10,000 yuan (US$ 1,495).

China is one of the key markets for Elon Musk’s Tesla, which is ramping up its efforts in production at the Shanghai Gigafactory. To give an idea of the demand there, when a Chinese customer orders a Model 3 manufactured in the country, they need to wait about 12 to 20 weeks to have the car in their garage, according to local estimates.