Overview

• Tesla introduced a no-buy lease policy in 2019, claiming returned vehicles were needed for a future robotaxi network that was never launched.
• Recent reports confirm Tesla resold many off-lease vehicles after adding paid software upgrades like 'Full Self-Driving' and 'acceleration boost.'
• The lease policy was reversed in November 2023, allowing customers to purchase leased vehicles, marking a significant shift in Tesla's approach.
• Over 314,000 vehicles were leased globally under the policy, representing 4.4% of Tesla's total deliveries during that time.
• The revelations have sparked criticism from former lessees and renewed skepticism over Tesla's long-standing self-driving promises.