The first car carrier from China with Tesla Model 3 Highland produced at Giga Shanghai on board has arrived in Europe. Yesterday, the Crystal Ray ship was waiting for the opportunity to dock in the port of Zeebrugge (Belgium), and was already seen in port during the night. There are nine such shipments with Tesla Model 3 (and Model Y?) in total, they will be arriving on our continent and in the Middle East over the next few weeks. In the configurator, the waiting time for the car has been reduced to 2-6 weeks.
Tesla Model 3 Highland getting closer and closer to continental Europe
By or towards Europe are Crystal Ray, Hoegh Trooper, Asian Captain, Neptune Barcelona, RCC Antwerp, Grande Roma, Grande Dakar and Glovis Star. The ninth Glovis Champion is standing in the port of Shanghai (China) and taking cars on board. The last ones could arrive on the Old Continent in three to five weeks. The first one, which is about to start unloading, will probably deliver demo units to European showrooms.
Tesla Model 3 Highland in transit to our part of the world (c) Roland Pircher @ X, compiled by Morten Grove
There it is.
I think they were unloading but too far to see something. I’m not making a living as a paparazzi 😆 pic.twitter.com/Zp6lOvYjGy— David (@davidper) October 17, 2023
The configurator shows that Tesla Model 3 Highland deliveries will be possible in two to six weeks, while those who bought a Tesla Model Y will wait four to six weeks. Interestingly, the creator of the video above, which shows the Crystal Ray in the port of Zeebrugge, admitted that he has set an expected collection date of “in 10 days”, so in Belgium the first cars should be on the roads around Saturday, 28 October.
The first reviews of the Tesla Model 3 Highland are keeping a very positive tone. The car is described as better in almost every respect than its predecessor, it is better soundproofed, has a better suspension and the powertrain has not been spoiled. Most complaints are about the lack of a drive selector lever – because the Tesla Model 3 Highland is rarely supposed to recognise the right direction – and the need to control the turn signals from the steering wheel.
Pricing for the Tesla Model 3 Highland RWD with 18-inch Photon wheels starts at €42 990. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD is priced starting at €50 990. The car configurator is available HERE.
Crystal Ray ship being towed into port (c) Luc Waterlote / X