Tesla's decision forced loyal fans to cancel orders: the company refuses to release Model S and Model X with right-hand drive

Tesla's May 12 announcement to end production of right-hand drive versions due to mechanical and logistical difficulties took customers by surprise, with many expressing their outrage on social media.

Tesla owner Paul Jones was among them: “I have owned a 2018 Model S 100D since launch and have had a Model S Plaid pre-order since October 2021. I love Tesla cars, but this decision is a kick in the teeth.”

He added that since 2021, he was repeatedly informed that his car was delayed, but would definitely be released, and in the end it all ended like this: “The first thing I did after I received an email was to go to a local Porsche dealer, and booked a Taycan Turbo S test drive."

Harry Greene, another frustrated former Tesla fan, immediately ordered a new car from a rival manufacturer: “I have had an order for a Model X since October 2020. Now I'm ordering a Mercedes EQS."

John Scarrott is concerned about LHD use in the UK: "Overtaking is very risky as you have to move half the car to the other side of the road to see what's going on."

Dealers were also caught off guard by Tesla's decision. “It came out of the blue,” said Richard Simons, owner of R Symons. Simons said his dealership occasionally stocks used left-hand drive Model S cars, but demand is low.