Now that Tesla has finally delivered on its promise that the Model 3 would eventually be rated for towing with the offering of a factory fitted towbar option, but can you fit one to a Model 3 in Australia?
The answer is a nuanced ‘yes’, but it comes in three parts:
- Yes: Tesla has homologated the Model 3 in Australia through the Australian government SEVS website with a tow rating of 910kg, and is listed as an option (‘O’) for both of the Model 3 versions currently sold here.
- No: Tesla are not yet offering it as a factory fitted option within the Australian configurator, unlike the European one. On enquiry, they have also refused to comment on when (or even if) the factory Tesla Model 3 towbar will be opened as an option on the Australian configurator.
- Summing up: Yes, a tow bar can be fitted to a Model 3 in Australia, but not a factory one any time soon. Given the Model 3 has been both homologated by Tesla for fitting a tow bar and given a 910kg tow rating – there appears to be nothing stopping anyone fitting a suitable, properly complianced aftermarket one following taking possession of a Model 3.
Sadly, for those waiting on a tow option for a Model 3 before ordering one – waiting on the likes of Hayman Reece or the other tow bar manufacturers to design and build one may take a while, thereby potentially slowing down orders for the Model 3 in Australia.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector for 10 years, and also is editor of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association newsletter.
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