In January 2024, Tesla recorded just a single EV sale in South Korea. The company sold just a single unit of the Model Y SUV, highlighting growing concerns in Korea relating to EVs manufactured in China. There are also pricing challenges and a lack of charging infrastructure negatively affecting demand in Korea.

Since July 2022, the sale of a single Tesla EV last month in Korea is the worst-ever sales performance by the American company. It is noted that the data put together by researcher Carisyou and the Korean Trade Ministry indicate an 80% decline in the number of new EV registrations in January when compared with December 2023. Higher interest rates and inflation are believed to be among the factors dampening consumer demand for EVs in the country. There are also issues relating to EV fires due to battery overheating, as well as a dearth of fast chargers in Korean cities. The China-made Tesla Model Y was one of the top-selling brands in 2023.

While overall demand for EVs is on a decline in Korea generally, the dip in sales by Tesla could also affected by its perceived links to China. A recent survey indicates that most Koreans who wanted to buy Tesla cars have bought one, but some people recently started disliking Tesla after finding that some of the models were manufactured in China. Korean consumers are concerned about the quality of manufacturing in China, the survey indicated. The low January sales could also be connected to the seasonal behavior of the Korean consumer. January is not the best time to buy EVs as consumers await the government’s announcement of subsidies. A Tesla spokesperson in Korea also stated that consumers delayed EV purchases before the confirmation of subsidies.

The cost of the Model Y was fixed at 56.99 million won ($43,000) in July 2023 and this made it qualify for a full government subsidy. However, a recent announcement by the regulator has further lowered the threshold for government subsidies to EVs priced below 55 million won, which will result in up to a 50% decline in allowable subsidy for the Model Y. It is unclear whether there will be a reaction by Tesla to the new subsidy regime but the company remains upbeat that demand in Korea will pick up.

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Fans seeking an off-road adventure with their Tesla vehicles have been looking for new options. Until recently, Germany’s Delta4x4 had cornered the market with its Tesla Model Y lift kit. However, a new contender from China, Pu.Labo, is challenging that kit, promising even more height and features for the Tesla EV.

This kit offers yet another option for Tesla owners to upgrade their cars

Delta4x4’s offering is pretty straightforward. Priced around $1,000, it provides a lift of up to three inches thanks to a 1.3-inch spacer kit and bigger tires. It’s a modest upgrade aimed at those who want a bit more room to navigate rough terrains.

On the other hand, Pu.Labo is going all out. Made in Shanghai, their $15,000 lift kit (with a promotional price of $12,000) not only lifts the Tesla Model Y or Model 3 by up to five inches, but it also includes redesigned control arms and adjustable coil-over shocks. Plus, it maximizes wheel travel to eight inches. The kit has been tested under various harsh conditions, including mud and sand, confirming its off-road capability.

Now, the price difference is noticeable. Delta4x4’s kit is accessible, but Pu.Labo’s cost is in the same ballpark as a used car. Yet, Pu.Labo argues that you get what you pay for, offering a comprehensive set of features that make your Tesla a more robust off-roading machine.

So, what does this competition mean for Tesla owners? Simply put, options. Those who just want a bit of an upgrade can stick with Delta4x4. For the off-road enthusiasts who want to push their Teslas to the limit, Pu.Labo’s kit may well be the right investment.

As Tesla vehicles continue to dominate the electric car market, third-party innovations like these signify that the EV revolution isn’t just about getting from point A to B — it’s also about how much fun you can have along the way.

What are your thoughts? Is Pu.Labo’s steeper price justified for the features it offers? Let us know in the comments below.

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Unplugged Performance is an aftermarket tuning company that specializes in Tesla vehicles. The company is based in Hawthorne, California, in the vicinity of Tesla’s design center and SpaceX’s headquarters. The company aims to help Tesla owners further customize their vehicles and maximize their driving experience. It has now established a new division—UPfit. The first product in its lineup is the Tesla Model Y Police Vehicle, revealed to the public at the Tesla Takeover in San Luis Obispo, California.

The approximate cost of modifying a Tesla Model Y comes down to around $41,500

Marking its venture into the fleet car industry, Unplugged Performance has already received an order for 20 Tesla Model Y Police Vehicles from the city of South Pasadena, the first U.S city to fully replace its police fleet with electric vehicles. The Tesla-based police car, priced at $91,990 ($50,490 for the base vehicle and an additional $41,500 for the UPfit modifications), offers a cost-effective alternative to the Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid, costing around $7,000 less.

Unplugged Performance emphasizes the benefits of EVs for law enforcement and public safety operations, highlighting their cost-effectiveness, environmental advantages, and minimized downtime due to maintenance. In particular, the firm highlights the suitability of EVs as police cars due to their capacity to power onboard electronics with minimal energy requirements, a crucial factor considering that 60% of fuel in conventional police vehicles is consumed while idling.

UPfit’s customization options for the Tesla Model Y police car include a variety of equipment and accessories, tailored to the requirements of law enforcement. From interior modifications featuring seat covers, molded seats, and high durability materials, to exterior enhancements such as grille guards, custom lighting, and performance braking systems. The company also offers tech add-ons like GPS and radio systems, alongside armoring packages for enhanced protection.

According to Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance, the company’s deep expertise in developing integrated solutions that syncs so well with the Tesla ecosystem makes it a top choice for electric police cars. He asserts, “The most capable, safest, most comfortable environment for an officer to spend the bulk of their day is inside a properly equipped Tesla police car.”

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Tesla has begun producing the Model Y SUV with a Blade battery from BYD at its German plant, according to a recent report. The BYD battery is expected to be used in the entry-level Model Y RWD, while the imported China-made Model 3 will feature an LFP battery from CATL. BYD is a vertically integrated company that covers the entire EV supply chain, from owning lithium mines to manufacturing batteries and producing electric vehicles, as well as developing software and ADAS for its vehicles.

Tesla and BYD join forces: Blade batteries set to power Model Y production

In 2022, BYD sold 1,863,494 new energy vehicles, including 946,239 plug-in hybrid passenger cars, 911,140 all-electric passenger cars, and 6,115 commercial vehicles and buses. As a result, BYD surpassed Volkswagen as the best-selling car brand in China.

Tesla’s adoption of the BYD Blade battery in the Model Y is a significant development, as it represents the first time the company has utilized batteries from the Chinese manufacturer. BYD is the world’s second-largest battery producer and has a strong presence in the bus industry. This collaboration with Tesla further solidifies BYD’s position in the EV market.

The Blade battery is a next-generation battery that offers several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. It is safer, more stable, and boasts a longer life cycle. The battery employs lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for its stability and safety. Additionally, the Blade battery’s design is unique, featuring a blade-like structure that enhances heat dissipation, a critical aspect of battery safety.

Tesla’s choice to incorporate the BYD Blade battery in the Model Y will likely significantly influence the EV market. As one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, Tesla’s adoption of the Blade battery could encourage other EV manufacturers to explore using this battery technology in their vehicles. Furthermore, the partnership between Tesla and BYD is anticipated to benefit both companies, enabling them to capitalize on each other’s strengths to produce superior EVs.

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