Tesla launches scheme to ditch petrol and diesel cars for £2,000 off new EV

In a bid to get older, more polluting petrol and diesel vehicles off the road, electric vehicle manufacturing giant Tesla has launched a new scrappage scheme.

In a statement, Tesla said: “In support of our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla are removing petrol and diesel cars from UK roads as part of our trade-in process.”

In June, customers whose car is valued at less than £2,000 will get an additional £2,000 off the price of a new Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.

If the trade-in value of their vehicle is £1,500, drivers will get £1,500 for giving up their old car and an additional £2,000 from Tesla.

With a full contribution, motorists can receive up to £4,000 off the price of a Model Y SUV or a Model 3 sedan.

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People must receive their trade-in quote between June 1 and June 30 to be eligible for the scheme, provided the value is less than £2,000.

Many on social media praised Tesla, saying that the company was doing the Government’s job for them.

Some people may be looking to take advantage of the scheme by buying older vehicles and instantly scrapping them.

However, Tesla has clarified that the trade-in has to be registered in their name for at least three months and have an MOT valid over 30 days ago.

On the Tesla website, a new Model Y currently costs £44,990 for the cheapest model, which drivers can boost to almost £60,000 to get more range, a higher top speed and quicker acceleration.

The Model 3 starts from £42,990, with further options potentially boosting the range of the vehicle to a staggering 374 miles.

Used models on the Tesla website can be purchased immediately and can start from as little as £30,000 for a Model 3 and £39,000 for a Model Y.

This comes just weeks after the Elon Musk-led brand cancelled orders of new Model S and Model X vehicles with right-hand drive in the UK.

Changes are not expected “for the foreseeable future”, with Tesla only selling new models in left-hand drive.

It is believed that the increased complexity of engineering, manufacturing and supplies would be hard to justify to cater to a small number of markets.

This change does not affect any used car sales on their website, with the Model 3 and Model Y not having any notes to indicate the same thing.

In January, Tesla slashed thousands of pounds off the starting prices of some of its most popular models, making them more affordable for motorists.