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Tesla has started formally notifying Canadian customers about significant specification changes to the new Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive, requiring buyers to acknowledge and accept the updated vehicle details before they can move forward with delivery.
The move marks the first direct communication from Tesla regarding a series of controversial changes that surfaced in recent weeks. Until now, many customers had only discovered the revisions through updates to Tesla’s online configurator and discussions within owner communities.
As deliveries draw closer, affected buyers are now seeing a new prompt in their Tesla accounts asking them to review the revised specifications and select “Accept and Proceed With Delivery” before continuing with the delivery process.
Tesla Introduces Mandatory Acceptance Step for Buyers
Customers who ordered the Shanghai-built Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive in Canada are now being presented with updated vehicle specifications directly within Tesla’s delivery workflow.
The notification effectively requires customers to acknowledge the revised details before Tesla will proceed with vehicle delivery.
For many buyers, this is the first official confirmation from Tesla that the vehicle they ordered differs from the version initially advertised when orders first opened.
Key Specification Changes Revealed
The updated vehicle information includes several notable revisions affecting performance, charging capability, and warranty coverage.
Among the most significant changes are:
Slower Acceleration Performance
Tesla originally advertised the vehicle with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds.
That figure was later changed to 5.2 seconds and has now been revised again to 6.2 seconds.
The repeated adjustments have become one of the most discussed aspects of the controversy, with some customers expressing frustration over the changing performance claims.
Reduced Supercharging Speeds
The maximum Supercharging speed has also been lowered.
Initial specifications listed a peak charging rate of 250 kW, but the latest information now shows a maximum charging speed of 175 kW.
For drivers who frequently rely on Tesla’s fast-charging network during long-distance travel, the reduction could result in longer charging sessions compared with expectations set during the ordering process.
Shorter Battery and Drive Unit Warranty
Tesla has also revised warranty coverage for the battery pack and drive unit.
The original warranty was listed as 8 years or 192,000 kilometres. The updated coverage has been reduced to 8 years or 160,000 kilometres.
Although the time-based coverage remains unchanged, the lower kilometre limit may be a concern for higher-mileage drivers.
Related: Tesla Model 3 Price Drops by $8,000 in Canada but Performance Takes a Major Hit
Weeks of Uncertainty Lead to Buyer Frustration
The formal notification follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive.
Tesla had previously adjusted specifications on its website without issuing a public statement or directly informing reservation holders. As changes appeared online, many buyers were left trying to determine whether the updates applied to their vehicles.
The acceleration figure, in particular, became a source of confusion after being modified multiple times within a relatively short period.
The absence of a detailed explanation from Tesla fueled speculation about potential hardware differences, battery changes, or production-related adjustments. However, the company has not announced any technical revisions that would explain the reduced performance, charging, or warranty figures.
No Official Explanation Yet
Despite now asking customers to formally accept the revised specifications, Tesla has still not publicly clarified why the changes were made after orders became available.
The company has not disclosed whether the revisions stem from software calibration differences, battery configurations, manufacturing changes, certification updates, or other factors.
As a result, many buyers continue to seek additional information before finalizing delivery decisions.
Some Customers Receive Compensation Offers
While Tesla has not issued a broad compensation program, some Canadian customers who contacted the company directly regarding the specification changes have reportedly received goodwill offers.
According to multiple buyer accounts, Tesla representatives have provided various forms of compensation after concerns were escalated through customer support channels.
Reported Customer Incentives
Several buyers have claimed they were offered benefits that included:
Temporary Full Self-Driving Trials
Some customers reportedly received temporary access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software package.
Free Supercharging Credits
Others were offered complimentary Supercharging credits that can be used across Tesla’s charging network.
Additional Tesla Services
In certain cases, customers have reported receiving other service-related incentives intended to address dissatisfaction over the revised specifications.
The offers appear to vary from customer to customer and do not currently appear to be part of a standardized compensation policy.
Buyers Can Still Cancel Orders
Tesla continues to provide an option for customers who no longer wish to proceed with the purchase.
Buyers who decide against accepting the revised specifications before delivery can still cancel their orders and receive a refund of their deposit.
This flexibility may offer reassurance to customers who feel the updated vehicle no longer meets their expectations.
Model 3 Premium RWD Remains Tesla’s Most Affordable Canadian Offering
Despite the specification reductions, the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive remains one of the most competitively priced vehicles in Tesla’s Canadian lineup.
Starting at C$39,490, it currently stands as the lowest-priced Tesla ever offered in the Canadian market.
LFP Battery Technology Remains a Major Selling Point
One of the vehicle’s key features is its expected lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by CATL.
LFP battery technology offers several advantages, including the ability to charge to 100 percent regularly without the same long-term degradation concerns associated with some other battery chemistries.
The vehicle is also expected to provide an estimated driving range of up to 463 kilometres, making it an attractive option for many Canadian drivers seeking an affordable electric vehicle with practical everyday usability.
Deliveries Expected to Begin Soon
With Tesla now formally presenting the revised specifications to customers and requiring acceptance before delivery, the rollout appears to be entering its final phase.
Information shared by multiple customers suggests deliveries could begin in parts of Ontario as early as next week.
For buyers who have been waiting through weeks of uncertainty, the latest notification signals that delivery appointments may finally be approaching. However, the requirement to accept revised specifications means each customer must now decide whether the updated version of the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive still aligns with their expectations before taking possession of the vehicle.