In November, we reported about Tesla’s plans to begin selling its electric vehicles (EVs) in Israel. In a new update, Tesla has now begun its sales operations in the country, starting with the achievement of necessary licensing.
California-based EV company Tesla has now earned a commercial import license from Israel’s Ministry of Transport, according to Globes. The license formally permits Tesla to begin importing cars into the country, with no limits on volume, and with online sales set to begin in the next few days.
This marks the first time a vehicle manufacturer has obtained a direct import license in Israel, without doing so through a local dealer or in partnership with a dealer.
Can’t wait to buy my first Tesla in Israel 😉
— Alon Garini (@GariniAlon) January 2, 2021
The move into the country will begin with Tesla’s Model 3, though official prices have not yet been released.
“In Israel, the Tesla Model 3 cars can be expected to sell for NIS 250,000-350,000, depending on the version,” reports the Globes, or $77,900 USD to $109,907 USD, which is very high for the entry sedan. That’s because, in Israel, car imports face high taxes in the form of customs duties, sales tax and VAT.
Also expected to head to the country, though it isn’t yet clear when, is the Model Y, Tesla’s crossover SUV, which will at least arrive in the country for testing in the coming months.
Tesla will begin delivering Model 3 units in Israel within the next few months, depending on the evolving COVID-19 situation. The company is also looking at sites where it can place its Superchargers.
