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Did anyone here import model s to EU ? Looking for some answers.


I plan to import MS 85kWh to Europe from US (second hand)
I am wondering how looks warranty. I was asking Tesla by email, by FB but they didn't reply.

What modifications are needed ? Any software update ? Lights ?

What is real range at little bit higher speed than in US ? I don't mean German highway and 200kph but let's say 130-140kph so around 85mph.

How long takes charging in European 230V socket ?

If main fuse is 30A can it cause any problems ?

Any answers highly appreciated :)

If i'm not mistaken, the charge port in the car is different. In the US Tesla uses it's own design, in Europe it was forced to use the standard Type 2 Mennekes connector.

Don't the cars have different charge ports?...I personally would not take this chance on such an expensive car.

- warranty expires when taken out of the region of sale
- chargers are different ( three phase vs single phase in the US)
- charge port is different

In the early days folks imported US models into Europe... now it is much better to find a used one in Europe.

There is not many second hand available in Europe and price difference is about 15-20k EUR ...

There are no many ... it's definitely too late for me :)

I don't where you live... but self-import into Germany comes with a penalty, because you pay the US state tax and then on top of it the 10% import tax and the 19% VAT - from CA that would be 41% on direct import vs 31% bought from Tesla Europe.

No three phase support. No EU supercharger support.
EU import tax - so may be not so cheap after all ?

EU import tax I already calculated. Difference is still huge. Main problem I see is three phase power. Batteries are (probably) same. I don't think Tesla did some major change in construction for EU market.

The EU MS has slightly different front and rear lights due to regulations. Front license plate older is also different (although easy to get the EU spec plate holder). The AM/FM radio may have the wrong channel spacing (i.e. will not work correctly for all stations). Slacker not available in Europe, although that won't matter since the the cellular connection will not work as it's set up for USA (AT&T). Perhaps Tesla can make a software change for you, but then again, they may not want too and/or it might have different cellular hardware for Europe. The Navigation system may be North American, so that will also be wrong.

Some of these changes are not all that important, but you'd want to check that your country has no problems with US spec'd cars. For a one-off (i.e. not importing multiple cars), typically this is not an issue.

In all, this sounds like a really bad idea. Good luck!

Thanks for all answers. I have now definitely more info.

How about range in EU conditions ? Slightly higher highway speed, about 85-90mph (135-145kph), combined city/ out of city but not highway ?

There are some calculations that show speed impact on range. At 85mph speeds I'd put the comfortable range around 180 miles - less in very cold weather.

But the decision to buy a car, and import a car, are two different things. First you should decide if you want the car or now, then how to get it.

I can't see how importing a car can make sense based on the posts here.

@Hubi, I was into this US to Eur car import thing in my youth because most brands have much higher prices in Europe than in the US (before tolls and VAT). It still turned out to be a bad idea because after shipping, insurance, lost warranty and 10% EU import toll and 17% VAT the remaining margin was wafer thin.

Now, since Tesla has almost the SAME prices globally (w/o toll and vat) it can possibly not make any sense to import a Tesla from US to EU. Especially since TM is exempt from 10% import toll with their final assembly in Holland. You will not be exempt.

Add the different chargers that other have pointed out. They are at least $3k a pop. 6k for a double!

Forgot to add that US import sell 5-10% cheaper than EU sold cars on the second hand market because history is harder to track, people are scared of flooded or stolen cars and so on.
So even if you managed to import it for less (highly unlikely) you would lose the money again when it is time to sell.

@Olof, you are right, only difference is that in EU there is still very small selection of second hand Teslas. Only few of them on mobile or autoscout. In US there is much bigger choice. I think it's time to consider new one :)

Kleist, I dunno where you got those tax figures from. I know for a fact you can claim taxes back on cars bring exported from the USA. Used Teslas are going for sale in the US for not far off from a new one. I have seen a few damaged 2012 Teslas which need new bumpers and airbags. If you could obtain parts for those, well... It'd cost you $40,000 out the door. If you could somehow make false documents showing residence in the US for 6 months prior to the date of your purchase, and could use mileage altering software to bring the mileage up to 6000km, then I'm sure you could avoid the tax. Now, the next part would be easier if you were living in a more-or-less peaceful area in a LHD country where you wouldn't need to dip head beans and wouldn't be hassled by the cops or get regular inspections. You could find an EU model owner of a Tesla and ask very nicely to borrow their headlights for the initial homologation requirements. If you don't live in an anal, democratic country you probably could get away with paying or befriending the official that is meant to inspect your vehicle to say that your vehicle is compliant. For the EU side repeaters, you could tape 3 bright LEDS to the mirror and solder them to the front EU light indicators, take this off after inspection.

Here in the UK, as long as you don't bother anyone, no ones going to bother you. The only difference between EU lights and US spec lights are that in America they indicate with their red break lights and here in the EU we have separate yellow blinkers.

Then, there is also the option of getting a REALLY beat up car from America, stripping it down and shipping it out in pallets. Bring it to your desired country and assemble, registering it.

Not everything I said is 100% legal so consult your jurisdiction. If you need help, legal or Tesla related, add me on Skype: MuzzaHukka

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