A HUGE Tesla “car graveyard” has been revealed as shocking images show a sea of new EVs left abandoned and gathering dust.
Hundreds of new electric cars are sitting idle at Australia’s Port of Melbourne, waiting to be sold.
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Several critics argue that the “car graveyard” is indicative of a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia, mirroring trends seen in other countries.
However, industry experts said the images reveal a different picture.
They stated that the “car graveyard” at Australia’s port demonstrates the country’s emergence as a significant player in the global market for low-emission transportation.
Experts noted that Australian drivers are likely to benefit from a price war as brands compete for a larger share of the market.
The country is also set to become a key target for Chinese automakers facing tariffs in other parts of the world.
At the Port of Melbourne is a sea of Model 3 and Model Y Teslas.
Peter Thorne, the Tesla Owners Club of Australia national president, reminisced about a time when these vehicles were difficult to obtain, with deliveries taking months instead of weeks.
He said: “With Teslas today, you put an order in and you’ll get your model faster than you can fill out the paperwork because they’ve got them in the country and inventory is now readily available.”
The US electric car company was once the only seller of EVs in Australia.
However, the rise in competition from new brands has prompted Tesla to reduce its prices.
The price of a Model Y Tesla electric SUV dropped from £35,648 in 2023 to £28,754 this year, marking a substantial reduction of £6,894.
Peter revealed that price cuts are “very strategic” as EV brands aim to sell particular models.
Despite Tesla’s price reductions, the company is currently facing strong competition from BYD – a Chinese manufacturer.
The Chinese EV automaker similarly slashed the prices of its vehicles with the Atto 3 SUV reduced by more than £1,800.
Tesla is trying to find a way to sell in this market
Chris Jones, national president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association
Other companies which are cutting the prices of their electric motors include MG, Renault, Peugeot, and Lotus.
However, most notably, GWM introduced a permanent £2,000 price cut for its Ora, making it the cheapest EV in Australia.
Chris Jones, national president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, claimed that the discounted prices will ultimately benefit electric car users searching for their next vehicle.
He added that the price wars are leading to more affordable EVs as more Chinese brands enter the market.
A whopping ten vehicle brands from China have confirmed plans to launch cars in Australia in the coming months.
As a result, Chris believes Tesla will have to do more if they want to compete with the cheaper models.
“Tesla is trying to find a way to sell in this market and they’re going to have to come up with a lower-price, lower-spec vehicle that competes at the lower-end,” he added.
Hussein Dia, a professor of future urban mobility at Swinburne University, revealed that the Chinese auto industry will increasingly target Australian motorists following the European Union’s announcement of higher tariffs on their vehicles.
He added: “What we’ve seen from China is the small to medium EVs, which is what a lot of people want to buy.”
The Sun has contacted Tesla for comment.
It comes after Elon Musk unveiled a driverless robot bus EV – but fans have spotted an eerie similarity to an iconic kids’ show.
And Skoda has introduced its new “budget-friendly” SUV, showcasing its updated logo, with the official launch anticipated in just a few days.
Inside ‘luxury’ Tesla trailer with private bedroom, dining area & folding patio – but you’ll have to dig deep to buy it
INSIDE the incredible “luxury” Tesla with a private bedroom and dining area.
The £135k ($175k) CyberTrailer is an RV-style mobile home designed to hook up to Elon Musk‘s angular vehicle and allow up to five people to live off-grid.
Created by Santa Barbara firm Living Vehicle, the trailer can be transformed internally into six configurations depending on need.
The main living area transitions to a private bedroom and bunk room for four adults and a child.
It can also be set up as an entertainment space with recliners and a theatre system or converted into a toy-hauler garage for electric bikes and other equipment.
The space also features a dining area for five and a mobile office for two, complete with Starlink internet, allowing remote work from anywhere.
At the rear of the trailer is a folding patio and a full solar awning covering the entire patio, simultaneously offering shade and energy capture.
The patio doubles as a ramp for convenient toy-hauler functionality, making it easy to travel with electric bikes, off-road vehicles, surfboards, kayaks, and other adventure gear.
Off-grid living is enabled through self-sufficiency systems including solar power, atmospheric water generation technology, and advanced water recycling.
Matthew Hofmann, Living Vehicle CEO, said: “The CyberTrailer isn’t just about going off-grid; it’s about bringing everything that defines your journey – bikes, boards, kayaks, and more.”
“Because when you’re fully equipped, there are no limits to where your passions can take you.”
Living Vehicle say the CyberTrailer price starts from £135k ($175k), with production expected to begin in 2025.
