Abandoned Tesla Model 3s Discovered in Florida Field

Tesla‘s refreshed Model 3 appears to be facing unexpected challenges, as reported by CleanTechnica. A recent discovery near Tampa, Florida, has raised questions about the electric vehicle maker’s inventory management and product quality.

A Field of Forgotten EVs

In Lutz, Florida, just minutes from Tesla’s Tampa Bay Service Center, dozens or possibly hundreds of refreshed Model 3 electric vehicles were spotted seemingly abandoned in a field. These vehicles, with VINs indicating they were manufactured in April and May, appear to have been left untouched for an extended period.

“The grass had grown around them high enough to cover half the wheel height,” noted the Reddit user who shared the discovery.

Quality Concerns

The observer reported significant quality issues with many of the vehicles:

• Poor paint quality, with some cars showing peeling paint or exposed primer
• Mismatched interiors, including cars with different colored seats for driver and passenger

These observations suggest the vehicles may have been rejected by customers due to quality control issues.

Inventory Challenges

This discovery comes amid reports of growing Model 3 inventory since production ramped up in April. While Tesla doesn’t provide individual model sales figures, combining this with recent massive layoffs at the company paints a concerning picture.

“Whether these are engineering vehicles or cars waiting for a customer is unclear,” the Reddit poster stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Broader EV Industry Context

Tesla isn’t alone in facing inventory challenges. Throughout 2023, legacy automakers, particularly Ford, have struggled with unsold EV inventory, leading to overflow lots and creative solutions like considering renting out unsold vehicles.

EVXL’s Take

This incident raises questions about Tesla’s production quality control and inventory management as it scales up production of the refreshed Model 3. While isolated incidents don’t necessarily indicate widespread issues, they do warrant attention. As we’ve previously reported on Tesla’s developments, the company has shown resilience in overcoming production challenges. However, as the EV market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining high quality standards and efficient inventory management will be crucial for Tesla to retain its leading position.

Photos courtesy of LSDBunnos via Reddit