Tesla Appears to Be Preparing to Sell US-Built Model 3S in Canada Again
Updated specs for the Model 3 Premium RWD match Fremont-built vehicles, suggesting a return to US manufacturing amid Chinese import quota issues.
Tesla Canada has updated the specifications for its Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive on its website, listing range and performance metrics that align with vehicles manufactured in Fremont, California. This change suggests the automaker may be preparing to resume selling US-built Model 3s in the Canadian market.
What Happened
The updated specifications for the Model 3 Premium RWD now show a range of 584 km and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds. These figures match the Fremont-built Long Range RWD model Tesla sold in Canada in October 2024, as well as the current US-market Model 3 Premium RWD, which is rated at 363 miles (584 km) of EPA range. Previously, the Canadian website listed the Shanghai-built version with 463 km of range and a 6.2-second acceleration time. Although the specific specs page has been updated to reflect the Fremont metrics, including a curb weight of 1,745 kg, the Canadian comparison page still displays the older Shanghai-built figures and the $39,490 CAD price point.
Why It Matters
This potential shift in sourcing is driven by regulatory and tariff constraints. Orders for the Shanghai-built Model 3 Premium RWD were paused in early October after Tesla exhausted its import quota. The company’s website currently states that orders may resume if the Government of Canada issues more quota, with expectations set for March 2027. Since US-built vehicles are subject to 25% counter-tariffs implemented in April 2025, a Fremont-sourced Model 3 would likely see a significant price increase. If Tesla applies a similar markup to the Fremont-built Premium RWD as it did to the AWD model previously, the price could land between $65,000 and $67,000 CAD. This price range would disqualify the vehicle from Canada’s $5,000 EV Affordability Program, which has a $50,000 transaction cap, although US-built cars do qualify for duty-free status under CUSMA.
The Bottom Line
While Tesla has not officially announced a change in manufacturing source or pricing, the updated website specifications indicate a strategic move to bypass Chinese import quotas. Canadian buyers currently face a limited selection, with only the $74,990 CAD Model 3 Performance available for order, leaving the market waiting to see if Tesla will introduce a higher-priced, US-built alternative before new quotas are issued next year.
