Tesla has begun shipping Model 3s built in Europe in Europe. Previously they only came from the US and Chinese Model 3s stayed in Asia. The arrival of Chinese Model 3s in Europe probably also means the arrival of other batteries.
Recently, a French Tesla customer discovered on his delivery invoice that his Model 3 was coming from China. That message Greendrive. It was a Standard Range Plus, in which the production code, among other things, made it clear that the car was built in Shanghai. Tesla confirmed on Monday that Model 3s are coming to Europe from China. This month, the first cars are already coming this way, including Germany and France. You can bet that some of the Dutch Tesla buyers will also receive a Chinese copy.
Chinese production must of course help Tesla to meet the ever-growing demand. It seems, therefore, that it would be more convenient to get European Model 3s from there, rather than let it arrive at US production. Eventually, the new Gigafactory in Berlin must of course take over that role and start building Teslas for the European market. Another aspect that probably plays a part – or possibly even the biggest reason for this change – is the fact that in China they are starting to use cobalt-free batteries in the Model 3. Thanks to Chinese battery builder CATL, Tesla in China is the Model 3 Standard Range Plus switched to the cheaper and less controversial lithium iron phosphate batteries. New Model 3s SR + delivered in Europe therefore probably already have them on board, now that they come from China.