Tesla changes free standard colour and prices for paint and wheel options

Renowned electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has changed the colour options for the Model 3 and Model Y in North America. The free colour option, white, has been replaced by Midnight Grey Silver, and prices for other paint options have been revised.

Tesla’s first approach to colour choices for the Model 3 was in line with Henry Ford’s famous statement about the Model T: “Any customer can have a car painted any colour he wants, as long as it’s black.” Initially, Tesla only offered black as a base colour, charging extra for additional options. Like Ford’s plan, this limited selection was aimed at streamlining production and improving productivity.

After a few years, Tesla expanded its standard colour option from black to white in 2019. This marked a change from the predominantly black Tesla vehicles seen on the road during the early stages of the carmaker’s production.

Return of the Midnight Grey Silver

After several years of white Tesla vehicles dominating the roads, Tesla has made Midnight Grey Silver the default colour option . This change is in response to customer demand for a greater variety of colours and reduces the monotony of the sea of white Teslas. However, the reasons for the change remain unclear, with customer demand and economic factors possibly influencing the decision.

Tesla launched Midnight Grey Silver as a standard colour option for the Model 3 and Model Y in late 2021, but only in the US. However, after a brief reign, white reclaimed its status as a free colour option. Today, Tesla has made Midnight Silver Metallic the standard option in Canada and the US, with buyers who want white having to pay an additional price.

Exclusive to Model S and Model X

While Tesla has changed the colour options for the Model 3 and Model Y, no changes have been made to the Model S and Model X. These premium vehicles will retain their current colour options unchanged.

Tesla’s regional colour choices and price variations

It should be noted that Tesla offers different colour selections in different regions of the world. For example, the Tesla Giga factory in Berlin offers exotic paint options such as Midnight Cherry Red and Quicksilver. In Europe, multi-layered pearlescent white is the standard colour, while solid black is the free option in China.

Tesla’s colour options are also priced differently. Multi-layer pearlescent white and deep blue metallic cost an extra $1,000, solid black $1,500 and multi-layer red $2,000. In particular, Ultra Red is available on Model S and Model X in the US for $3,000, making it the most expensive paint option.

Wheel options

Tesla’s new changes are not limited to paint options. Tesla has also changed the wheel options available to Canadian buyers of the Model 3. Previously, Canadian buyers could opt for the optional 19-inch sports wheels on the Model 3’s rear-wheel drive (RWD) or long-range models. However, Tesla has already removed this option, leaving 18″ Aero wheels as the only option for Canadian Model 3 buyers. Surprisingly, 19-inch Sport wheels are still available for US versions of the Model 3.

The removal of the 19-inch Sport wheels for Canadian Model 3 buyers indicates a potential supply shortage from China, where Tesla imported the Model 3 and Model Y for the Canadian market. This adjustment is consistent with previous changes made to configurations and options due to logistical changes in Tesla’s supply chain. These changes include the removal of the Model Y’s seven-seat layout and the addition of white interiors to the Model 3 and Model Y.

Tesla’s recent colour changes for the Model 3 and Model Y in North America changed from white to Midnight Silver Metallic as the default colour option. While the reasons for these changes are not known, they demonstrate Tesla’s responsiveness to consumer feedback and its ongoing efforts to expand its car choices. Tesla continues to respond to the interests of its global customer base by bringing a touch of originality to its electric vehicles, with a variety of colour options available in all countries.