Photo: Tesla
Tesla dealt a blow to aftermarket vendors in the US by offering an official powered liftgate retrofit for the older Model 3 EVs. The electric sedan is available with a powered liftgate as standard since 2020. Those with older cars who wish to upgrade can do it in the Tesla Shop.
Although powered tailgates and liftgates are not yet common in the automotive world, people shopping in the luxury segment are used to this feature and will likely buy it again on a new vehicle. Most carmakers even offer additional functions, such as a hands-free opening when approaching the trunk or waving your foot under it. Not all these functions are available on Tesla EVs, but these days, all come with a powered liftgate, which is commendable.
Still, not all Teslas have been fitted with these features from the factory, and the Model 3 only got it in 2020 following a mild refresh. For those with older cars, aftermarket vendors developed retrofit solutions, some of them becoming pretty popular. Last year, Tesla started offering itself a powered liftgate retrofit for the Model 3, although only in China. This dealt a blow to aftermarket vendors, although the Chinese customers hailed it as a move in the right direction.
The Chinese retrofit was offered in February 2022 through Tesla Shop China for a price of 3,980 yuan, which was equivalent to $628 at the time. Nowadays, the conversion rate has changed, and the same amount is worth $547. It doesn't matter, though, as the retrofit is no longer available in China, at least not in the Tesla Shop. Judging by the reaction on social media, this item proved quite popular with Tesla customers. Last year, Tesla said the powered liftgate retrofit was launched based on customer feedback.
After trying this move in China, Tesla thought it was a good idea to do the same in the US, so it's now offering a powered liftgate retrofit through its Shop to US customers. I don't know how many people have an older Model 3 that they haven't fitted with a powered liftgate already. Still, it's safe to assume that many will prefer an original accessory signed and installed by Tesla. This represents a direct attack on third-party accessory suppliers, and it's likely to signal a lasting trend.
The Powered Liftgate Retrofit sold in the US Tesla Shop will set you back $800, which seems well-balanced considering inflation and market conditions. The price includes delivery to the customer's preferred Service Center as well as installation. The retrofit will work exactly like the factory-installed part. It allows controlling the trunk from the Tesla app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or the button on the liftgate itself. The retrofit is compatible with Model 3 vehicles produced before 2021 with a manual liftgate.
Still, not all Teslas have been fitted with these features from the factory, and the Model 3 only got it in 2020 following a mild refresh. For those with older cars, aftermarket vendors developed retrofit solutions, some of them becoming pretty popular. Last year, Tesla started offering itself a powered liftgate retrofit for the Model 3, although only in China. This dealt a blow to aftermarket vendors, although the Chinese customers hailed it as a move in the right direction.
The Chinese retrofit was offered in February 2022 through Tesla Shop China for a price of 3,980 yuan, which was equivalent to $628 at the time. Nowadays, the conversion rate has changed, and the same amount is worth $547. It doesn't matter, though, as the retrofit is no longer available in China, at least not in the Tesla Shop. Judging by the reaction on social media, this item proved quite popular with Tesla customers. Last year, Tesla said the powered liftgate retrofit was launched based on customer feedback.
After trying this move in China, Tesla thought it was a good idea to do the same in the US, so it's now offering a powered liftgate retrofit through its Shop to US customers. I don't know how many people have an older Model 3 that they haven't fitted with a powered liftgate already. Still, it's safe to assume that many will prefer an original accessory signed and installed by Tesla. This represents a direct attack on third-party accessory suppliers, and it's likely to signal a lasting trend.
The Powered Liftgate Retrofit sold in the US Tesla Shop will set you back $800, which seems well-balanced considering inflation and market conditions. The price includes delivery to the customer's preferred Service Center as well as installation. The retrofit will work exactly like the factory-installed part. It allows controlling the trunk from the Tesla app, your vehicle's touchscreen, or the button on the liftgate itself. The retrofit is compatible with Model 3 vehicles produced before 2021 with a manual liftgate.
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