Mystery truckload of Model 3 Performance EVs spotted in China

A truckload of Performance Model 3s with Chinese badging have been spotted leaving Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, sparking questions about their existence.

Tesla began making its “mass-market” Model 3 in late 2019 but to date has only listed the base Standard Range Plus variant on its official website.

The EV maker also now has approval to begin making the Long Range Model 3 in China, with an official listing for the model recently added to a Chinese government website – but not for the Performance variant.

As a result, the truckload of mystery Performance models have grabbed people’s attention.

Photos of five blue Model 3s were shared to Tesla China follower Jay in Shanghai on Twitter in Friday evening (Australian time), and they indisputably appear to be Performance versions.

“Spoiler, Power Sport Performance Wheels, Red Underline (right hand Model 3 Badge) and Red Brake Calipers can be seen,” Jay pointed out on Twitter to a questioning fellow Tweep.

Also visible is the Chinese version of the Tesla badge on left instead of the word Tesla in English characters, apparent on closer inspection.

Is it possible that the models are en route to get approval for production at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory 3 also?

It does seem a little odd, seeing as the Long Range RWD version added to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recommended models listing in February has not even been added to the official Tesla China website for ordering yet.

Of course, it is entirely possible that the Performance models spotted are in fact imported Model 3s with the English word logo replaced by the Chinese badge.