FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tesla Waves Keep Crashing

EV market leader's price swings still rippling across the industry.

May 2, 2023
Tesla Waves Keep Crashing

Tesla’s recent price hikes affected its models 3 and Y, which are now $250 more in the U.S.

IMAGE: Pixabay

2 min to read


Tesla’s price changes continue to spur ripple effects throughout the electric-vehicle segment as it responds to market conditions.

After a series of half a dozen price cuts that started in January, the EV market leader raised prices on its two top sellers on Monday in the U.S., Canada, China and Japan.

Ad Loading...

Tesla’s prices, though, remained below the levels they stood before it started cutting.

Meanwhile, the day after Tesla’s price trims, Ford cut prices on its electric Mustang Mach-E by up to $4,000, or 8%, on some versions as it switches to a cheaper battery. It was the second price cut on the model this year.

The price swings continued against the backdrop of recently adjusted federal EV tax credits, not to mention inflation and rising interest rates.

The U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance in March that eliminated some models from qualification for the credits and cut other models credit totals in half.

Just 16 models qualified after the changes, which added battery material sourcing requirements that mandate sourcing, processing or recycling of battery materials to be centered in North America or a free-trade partner of the U.S.

Ad Loading...

The Tesla Model 3 RWD and the Mustang Mach-E were two models that saw their tax credit eligibility total cut in half to $3,750.

Chinese EV makers also dropped prices after Tesla started the trend. But some legacy rivals aren’t jumping on Tesla’s bandwagon. Volvo, for one, has said it will stick to its EV pricing schedule.

Tesla didn’t reap financial rewards from its slashing sessions, though they boosted sales on some models, and it even made one cut the day before its earnings report. Its first-quarter profit fell 24% year-over-year, though it blamed higher supply and logistics costs and reduced regulatory credits.

In addition to economic anxieties, it’s being forced to compete with brands such as Ford and General Motors as the legacy carmakers build momentum toward all-EV lineups by next decade.

Tesla’s recent price hikes affected its models 3 and Y, which are now $250 more in the U.S.

Ad Loading...

The price of EVs is a major factor in many Americans’ hesitance to switch from gas-powered models, and vehicle affordability is a growing concern after pandemic-spurred inventory shortages drove up prices.

An April Edmunds report showed that the average transaction price for a new model reached $47,713 in March, up 33% from five years earlier.

DIG DEEPER: Report Paints Stark Affordability Picture

 

 

 

 

 

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

Phot of a dark Kia vehicle interior with steering part of steering wheel and dashboard
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 29, 2026

Focus on Vehicle Cabins

The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.

Read More →
Photo of multiple new SUVs on a car dealership lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 22, 2026

State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads

The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.

Read More →
Map of Europe next to back of EV car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 22, 2026

European EV Market Hits Record

Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Person pumping gas into car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 17, 2026

Used EVs Outpace New

While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.

Read More →
Dodge emblem on orange vehicle
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 15, 2026

New Vehicles Down for Most Brands

Healthy May sales cut into inventory as automakers kept a tight reign on supply, though some brands ended the month with excess units on the ground.

Read More →
Photo of the back of an electric Mercedes
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 10, 2026

Auto Prices Ride May Moderation

Flat ATPs and asking prices clocked in below long-term averages for the month, though some segments saw significant price gains, reported Cox Automotive.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Orange Mitsubishi car on grass
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 8, 2026

Mitsubishi Sets Growth Strategy, Structural Transformation

The Japanese automaker aims to 'strengthen products and technologies that embody its brand identity,' focus on its strongest markets and expand value-chain businesses 'that leverage its unique strengths.'

Read More →
inside of car, view of steering wheel with hands on it driving
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 29, 2026

Affordable, Safe Cars for Teen Drivers

Families looking to balance affordability and safety in vehicles for their teen drivers can look to the updated list of recommended vehicles by IIHS and Consumer Reports.

Read More →
Gray-scale photo of a line of Mini cars in a dealership parking lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMay 27, 2026

Auto Dealers Feel Better But Not Great

A second-quarter Cox Automotive poll of franchised retailers and independents found better views of the current market after a good spring but anticipation of third-quarter storminess.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
exterior daytime image of Porsche North Miami dealership
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Holman Opens Porsche Dealership in Miami

The North Miami store features the brand’s signature Destination Porsche design concept, combining contemporary architecture and technology to create what the auto group calls an ultra-luxury experience.

Read More →