Tesla Stops Accepting New Plaid Plus Model S Orders Pointing To High Demand
Speaking at Tesla’s Battery Day event back in September 2020, Elon Musk said the Plaid Model S (later renamed “Plaid Plus” Model S) will begin deliveries by the end of 2021.
However, in the following months, Tesla drastically changed their plan and introduced the groundbreaking but comparatively more “restrained” Plaid Model S in lieu of the Plaid Plus variant.
The Plaid Model S deliveries were slated to begin by the end of March however, due to the chip shortage that has hit the entire automotive market deliveries have yet to begin.
Although yesterday CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter first deliveries of the Plaid Model S will begin on June 3 with a delivery event at Tesla’s Fremont California factory.
Related news: Elon Musk Updates On Hydrogen Energy With Most Compelling Use
And now with an update to the company’s online configurator early this morning Tesla has grayed out the Plaid Plus Model S option and can no longer be selected from the Model S order page.
This leaves the Long Range and Plaid variants of the Model S as the only two options for anyone looking to purchase Tesla’s high-end sedan.
In this report I am comparing the Tesla Cybertruck's specs vs Ford F-150 Lightning EV. -https://t.co/TCAc21h8J5-#Cybertruck #F150Lightning #Tesla #Ford pic.twitter.com/zQZKA7yS4W— Torque News (@torquenewsauto) May 20, 2021
Like usual Tesla hasn’t said why the company has halted new Plaid Plus Model S orders, however, it is likely the EV maker made the changes due to a mix of high demand and production delays.
Related news: Tesla Reverse Summon Could Find Your Parking Space
When announcing the Plaid Model S back in March, Tesla reiterated the Plaid Plus variant will come by the end of 2021. However, later on, Elon Musk went on the Joe Rogan podcast and said the Plaid Plus will start production in the middle of 2022.
This makes the vehicle more than a year away. However, given orders for the Plaid Plus Model S have been open for several months now, it’s likely Tesla has already sold Plaid Plus Model S until well into 2023.
This is a good sign pointing to Tesla’s demand being strong, however, it’s nonetheless disheartening for anyone excited to be behind the yoke steering wheel of the Plaid Plus Model S.
So what do you think? Did Tesla halt Plaid Model S order due to high demand? or do you think production difficulties are the reason for the change? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.
For more information check out: Elon Musk Says Tesla Will Update Production Roadster Design, 1.1 Sec 0-60 With SpaceX Package Also, see Tesla Gets Approval To Use This Helicopter At Giga Berlin
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.