Tesla is getting ready to launch its first model in the Indian market but an unforeseen problem has arisen. The Tesla Model 3 was expected to debut in India but it seems that its ground clearance isn’t compatible with the majority of the roads in India.
The stock Model 3 has a ground clearance of 5.5 inches (140 mm) which is not enough to avoid scraping its floor on the large speed bumps commonly found in India. It is rumored that Tesla is planning on raising the ride height by at least 1 inch (25 mm) for the Indian-spec Model 3, since the coil-spring suspension can’t be adjusted by local dealerships.
The issue was reported by Autocar India which claims to have insider information. The publication recently reviewed the Tesla Model 3 on local roads, concluding that the ground clearance must be increased prior to the launch. They are also reporting that IDIADA Automotive Technology tested the car on 200 different speed bumps in India, with the Model 3 scraping its bottom on 160 of them.
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Fully electric models are usually sitting close to the ground due to floor-mounted batteries and aerodynamic efficiency. At the same time, electric platforms often come with a long wheelbase allowing better use of cabin space but at the same time worsening the ramp breakover angles.
This means more automakers will face similar issues when launching their EV models in the Indian market. Autocar India claims they had belly-scraping issues with the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the local best-seller Tata Nexon EV, despite the fact that those models are SUVs. The situation is better with models featuring air suspension like the Tesla Model X, the Audi e-tron, and the Jaguar I-Pace (optional equipment).
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Given the circumstances, Tesla might reconsider their model strategy and arrive in India with the Model Y. Currently, the electric SUV is said to be under homologation for the Indian market. Since all the aforementioned details are based on reports, we will have to wait and see which is going to be the next move for Tesla.
