Tesla launches Model 3 roof rack, sold out in minutes

Tesla is launching a new Model 3 roof rack, which is something that Tesla Model 3 owners have been asking for over a year at this point.

And now it is already sold out.

With Model 3’s glass roof, there wasn’t a clear way to safely install a roof rack to transport things like bikes or skis.

That said, we knew it was possible since Tesla designed one for the Model S with a glass roof and a Model 3 prototype was spotted with a roof rack back in 2017.

More than a year later, Tesla is now finally launching the roof rack as a $450 aftermarket product on its shop website, but it sold out in minutes.

Tesla describes the product on its website:

“The Model 3 Roof Rack was designed and engineered from the ground up for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, minimal interior noise and impact to range. The ultra-sleek attachment mechanism makes for easy installation at home while blending in seamlessly.”

The aluminum powder-coated cross bars have die-cast towers with integrated locks.

Here are a few images released by Tesla:

Tesla says that it has a load rating of 150lbs and it added about the compatibility:

“The aluminum cross bars on the roof rack feature T-slots to seamlessly mount compatible attachments such as ski racks, bike racks and cargo boxes.”

A few minutes after appearing on the website, Tesla marked the product as “sold-out”.

There’s no word on when it is going to be available again.

Electrek’s Take

Well, that took long enough. Roof racks are especially popular in Europe and I wouldn’t be surprised if the fact that Tesla is about to open orders in European markets has something to do with the timing.

$450 is not cheap, but I have seen other aftermarket alternative, like suction based roof racks, also selling around the same price.

Aftermarket automotive products often come with a high premium and the Model 3 roof rack is no exception.

While it made me think twice before ordering, it doesn’t seem to be the case for a lot of people since it was sold out in just minutes after Tesla launched the page on the website.

If you are getting one, please let us know and send a few pictures of the installation our way.