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Massive Tesla fleet sighted in Port of Zeebrugge for Europe’s apparent quarter-end push

Credit: @UlricDabe/Twitter

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A recent video from the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium has provided a hint at Tesla’s plans to deliver as many vehicles as it can to customers in the European region this month. The minute-long video, which showed a good view of the port, featured a massive fleet of Tesla Model 3s that extended practically as far as the eye can see. 

The video was taken earlier this week, and it was eventually shared on social media platforms such as Facebook. The exact number of Teslas in the Port of Zeebrugge when the video was taken has not been shared online, though considering the sheer size of the Model 3 fleet, it would not be surprising if the electric sedans numbered by the thousands. 

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Interestingly enough, Tesla China’s May results from the Chinese Passenger Car Association (CPCA) revealed that the EV maker exported 11,527 Model 3s that were made in Gigafactory Shanghai to foreign territories last month. A significant number of these vehicles were sent to Europe, and some may already be part of the massive Tesla fleet that was filmed in the Port of Zeebrugge. 

It’s not just Europe that is currently receiving large numbers of Model 3s, however. Videos from Australia also hint that batches of the all-electric sedan have arrived Down Under. One of these videos, which was posted on Twitter a few days ago, featured hundreds of Model 3s in Port Kembla in New South Wales, Australia. 

Tesla is currently in the final month of 2021’s second quarter. And in true Tesla fashion, the EV maker seems determined to deliver as many vehicles as possible to customers. Considering the number of Model 3s in the Port of Zeebrugge and Port Kembla, Tesla’s delivery team in Europe and Australia would likely be extremely busy in the coming weeks. 

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Despite challenges with its supply chain, Tesla has been quite impressive with its vehicle deliveries this year so far. In the first quarter alone, Tesla produced over 180,000 vehicles and delivered 184,800 across the globe, and that’s without any Model S and Model X being manufactured. This Q2, Tesla will include its first batch of Model S Plaid units, which would likely provide the company some boost in its overall deliveries. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us for news tips. Just send a message to tips@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Unveils Model Y RWD 110 customized for Singapore

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(Credit: Tesla Singapore)

Tesla unveiled the Model Y RWD 110 for Singapore’s Category A certificate of entitlement (COE) rules. This custom SUV tweaks the updated Model Y, which was launched in Singapore in January.

Tesla tuned the Model 3 RWD 110 for Singapore before, and that customized version’s success spurred this Model Y adaptation. The Model Y RWD 110 runs at 110kW, down from 255kW in the standard RWD. It qualifies for Singapore’s Category A COE, unlike the Model Y 255kW version, which sits in Category B.

Category A COEs are for mass-market cars. They score lower premiums than Category B COEs. BMW and Mercedes-Benz register vehicles as Category A COEs in Singapore as well.

In Singapore, buyers need to pay the COE to register a car. The latest tender showed an SGD 22,388 gap between Category A and B premiums.

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The Model Y RWD 110’s road tax is significantly reduced from SGD 3,478 to SGD 1,562 yearly. The Strait Times calculated that the cheaper Model Y in Singapore would save SGD 19,160 over a 10-year COE.

The Model Y RWD 110 matches the 255kW version otherwise. The more affordable Model Y’s battery size holds steady. Its energy use, equipment, and design stay the same.

Tesla prices the Model Y RWD 110 at SGD 103,476 before COE. The Model Y RWD 110 costs SGD 3,026 less than the 255kW version, excluding COE costs. It uses a 62.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

Tesla has released cheaper versions of its cars before. For instance, it rolled out a more affordable Model 3 in Mexico last year. The cheaper Tesla Model 3 in Mexico did not use the same materials and had different features to reduce costs.

Tesla might consider releasing custom, cheaper versions of its vehicles in other countries. Industry sources in China hint at a “lower-priced Model Y” for the Chinese auto market, which keeps the Juniper’s battery and chassis

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Tesla US Gigafactories shields from Trump’s 25% Tariffs

Tesla US Gigafactories Shielded from Trump’s 25% Tariffs

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Credit: Elon Musk/X

Tesla stocks climbed after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, standing out in the United States auto industry.

Automaker stocks tanked after President Trump slapped 25% tariffs on foreign autos and parts. Tesla slightly dodged the tariff blow thanks to local production. Its gigafactories in China and Germany don’t supply Tesla vehicles to the United States market. The company builds all U.S.-sold EVs in Fremont, California, or at Giga Austin in Texas.

TD Cowen analyst Itay Michaeli sees the American EV automaker as a winner in Trump’s tariffs games.

“Tesla [is] a relative beneficiary given [its] 100% U.S. production footprint, substantial U.S. sourcing, and with Model Y competing in a midsize crossover segment where close to ~50% of vehicles could be subject to tariffs,” Michaeli wrote on Thursday.

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Rivian and Lucid also make all vehicles sold in the United States domestically. Ford hits 77% U.S. production, while Stellantis sits at 57%. Nissan and GM each clock in at 52%.

Trump’s 25% tariff on non-U.S.-made vehicles kicks in next week, on April 2, 2025. Elon Musk confirmed that Trump’s tariff will still affect Tesla, despite its plants in America.

Musk posted on X about tariff impacts. He said foreign-sourced parts will drive up costs. It’s not a small hit. Tesla warned of this in a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative. “Certain parts and components are difficult or impossible to source within the United States,” the letter stated, even with “aggressive localization.”

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Nikola Motor founder Trevor Milton given full pardon by President Trump

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Credit: Nikola Motor

Nikola Motor founder Trevor Milton has been given a full pardon by U.S. President Donald Trump in an unprecedented turn of events.

Trevor Milton Media announced late Thursday that the formerly jailed founder of the all-electric automaker that President Trump had “pledged to end the political weaponization of the Justice Department. This pardon marks a step toward fulfilling that commitment.”

Milton was sentenced to four years in prison in December 2023 after being found guilty of multiple counts of fraud.

Nikola founder Trevor Milton sentenced to four years in prison

“I was not a very seasoned CEO,” Milton said after his sentencing. Questions about the legitimacy of some Nikola product demonstrations and several statements that were found to be misleading regarding the company’s progress on its vehicles brought Milton to U.S. Federal Court to face two counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.

Now, he is free.

Milton said in a statement:

“This pardon is not just about me—it’s about every American who has been railroaded by the government, and unfortunately, that’s a lot of people. It is no wonder why trust and confidence in the Justice Department has eroded to nothing. I wish judges would stop believing whatever the prosecutors feed them so Americans could trust the justice system again. Until that happens, our justice system will continue to erode until there is nothing left. The 90+% conviction rate in New York is appalling and is a result of prosecutors getting whatever they want and putting innocent people in prison. I saw firsthand the tactics they use to achieve those guaranteed convictions. I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for his courage in standing up for what is right and for granting me this sacred pardon of innocence.”

Milton will now launch a documentary that is available for preview here.

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