Tesla Model 3 Highland Sparks Excitement as it Hits Italian Showrooms

On September 19, 2023, a momentous event unfolded as the Tesla Model 3 Highland officially graced Italy’s showrooms. This eagerly awaited arrival marked a significant milestone for electric car enthusiasts in the country. The excitement is palpable as deliveries of the refreshed Tesla Model 3 are poised to kick off next month in Italy.

The Tesla Club Italy’s official account, known as the Tesla Club Italy, shared captivating visuals capturing the unveiling of the Tesla Model 3 Highland. The account disclosed that a Tesla showroom in Italy had orchestrated a closed-door presentation to usher in this remarkable addition to the Tesla lineup. Eventually, the showroom doors swung open, welcoming the general public to experience the marvel that is the Model 3 Highland.

For those keen on making this cutting-edge electric vehicle their own, the pricing details are as follows. In Italy, the Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD variant comes with a starting price tag of €42,490 ($45,472.37) before factoring in any optional features. Meanwhile, the Model 3 Highland Long Range variant kicks off at €49,990 ($53,498.80). If you’re planning to make the most of the Model 3’s capabilities, the tow hitch, boasting a towing capacity of 1,000 kg (2,200+ lbs), can be added for an additional €1,350 ($1,444.76).

One of the hallmarks of Tesla’s allure is its autonomous driving features, and in Italy, enthusiasts have two enticing options. The Enhanced Autopilot package, which encompasses Navigate on Autopilot and Auto Lane Change, comes at a cost of €3,800 ($4,066). Tesla has also hinted that Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon features will be incorporated into Enhanced Autopilot in the near future. Meanwhile, for those who crave the pinnacle of autonomous driving, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is available for €7,500 ($8,026) in Italy. This comprehensive package not only includes all features found in Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot but also boasts Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. However, it’s important to note that Autosteer on city streets is not yet on the menu for Italian customers.

Italy’s commitment to electric vehicles is underscored by the government’s allocation of approximately €8.7 billion in funds for low-emission and new energy vehicles back in November 2022. These funds are set to bolster Italy’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, ensuring that EV owners have convenient access to charging stations across the country.

Furthermore, the European Commission has laid out a generous array of incentives for EV purchasers in Italy. These incentives include ownership tax benefits, company tax benefits, purchase subsidies, VAT benefits, AF Infrastructure incentives, local incentives, and more. Notably, electric vehicle buyers can revel in a five-year exemption from annual ownership tax from the date of their first registration in Italy. After this initial period, EV owners enjoy a remarkable 75% reduction in tax rates when compared to their fossil fuel counterparts in the region.

In terms of purchase subsidies, the following benefits apply to electric vehicles:

• €3,000 (€5,000 with scrappage) for an electric car (M1) emitting ≤ 20g CO2/km and with a selling price of ≤ €35,000 + VAT.
• €2,000 (€4,000 with scrappage) for an electric car (M1) emitting 21-60g CO2/km and with a selling price of ≤ €45,000 + VAT.

This wealth of incentives makes Italy a compelling destination for those eager to embrace the electric revolution with the Tesla Model 3 Highland.