Importing a Tesla Model S from Germany into France

The cost of importing a Tesla Model S: what it covers

The landed cost in France of a Tesla Model S imported from Germany is not just the purchase price. You need to add VAT (if the vehicle counts as new for tax: under 6 months old or under 6,000 km), the CO₂ tax, the weight tax (2,069 kg is above the 1,800 kg threshold of the 2022 rates), transport from Germany, the certificate of conformity (COC) and the French registration document (carte grise).

Our free calculator works out every one of these items automatically from the specifications of your Tesla Model S and gives you a GO/NO-GO verdict in seconds.

The Tesla Model S on the German market

The Tesla Model S is an electric vehicle found on listing platforms such as mobile.de and AutoScout24. Being electric, it is exempt from both the CO₂ tax and the weight tax, which cuts the import cost considerably.

Registering an imported Tesla Model S in France

Once bought and shipped, the steps are as follows:

• Quitus fiscal (tax clearance) from the SIE, the French business tax office, to be requested as soon as the vehicle arrives
• Certificate of conformity (COC): from Tesla, quoting the chassis number (VIN)
• French roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) if the vehicle is over 4 years old
• Carte grise (registration document) application on the ANTS portal, for permanent plates

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to import a Tesla Model S?

Purchase prices on mobile.de range from €45,000 to €65,000 for a 2022 with 40,000 to 80,000 km. On top of that come the tax costs (CO₂ and weight tax, registration) and logistics (transport, COC), which the calculator works out precisely. Resale prices in France range from €52,000 to €75,000.

Is the Tesla Model S worth importing?

Yes, on the ranges above. At the midpoint of those ranges the engine works out a landed cost of €56,450 against a €63,500 resale, a margin of €7,050. The closer the purchase price is to the bottom of the range and the resale to the top, the wider the margin. The actual listing price remains decisive, and the calculator settles it case by case.

What tax applies to a Tesla Model S?

The electric Tesla Model S is exempt from both the CO₂ tax and the weight tax.

Do you pay VAT when importing an electric Tesla Model S?

Used electric vehicles (over 6 months old AND over 6,000 km) are exempt from VAT. If the vehicle counts as new for tax purposes, French VAT at 20% is due, but it is recoverable in the country of purchase.

Does the Tesla manufacturer warranty apply in France after importing from Germany?

Yes, the Tesla manufacturer warranty is European and attached to the vehicle VIN. The basic vehicle warranty (4 years or 80,000 km) and battery/drive unit warranty (8 years or 160,000 to 192,000 km) are honored directly across all French Tesla Service Centers.

Does the weight tax apply to the Tesla Model S?

At 2,069 kg, the Tesla Model S is above the 1,800 kg weight tax threshold of the 2022 rates, those of its year of first registration. This tax is added to the CO₂ tax, subject to a shared cap. An age-based reduction lowers the amount for used vehicles.