Tesla is rolling out new dual-charging ports for Model S and Model X vehicles sold in China, according to the car blog Electrek, meaning the company is getting more serious about selling cars in Asian markets.
SEE ALSO:Porsche's electric car might just give Tesla a run for its moneyThe vehicles will now feature two types of connectors near its fuel tank: one for the popular Mennekes plug commonly used in Europe, and one for the GB port most commonly used in China.
This new dual-connection port was first discovered when images of the inputs were first added to Tesla's online hub for press resources in a folder labeled "PRESS - GB Charge Port" and were found by Electrek.
Tesla vehicles in China will now ship with a dual-charging port.Credit: TeslaA Tesla spokesperson confirmed to Mashablethat the dual-ports are being built into cars for the Chinese market, and the word "CHINA" was added to the folder's label shortly after our inquiries.
Tesla pledged back in 2015 to adapt its electric vehicles to match Chinese charging standards, but at the time, the country hadn't established its national charging configuration.
China has since largely adopted the GB standard in its push to build out its EV charging network, which the automaker promised to support after it was announced last year. Now, Tesla appears to be making good on its word and is including the new configuration directly in its vehicles.
SEE ALSO:Tesla fires hundreds of workers companywide amid production strugglesThe new GB charging port is positioned more like an old school gas tank, moving the charging spot from the tail lights to the drivers' side of the vehicle.
Here's where the port is for other markets such as the U.S. and Canada:
Tesla charging inputs are located next to the tail light in most Western countries.Credit: teslaHere's where the new configuration for the Chinese market is located:
Tesla vehicles in China have dual-charging ports positioned where an old school gas tank would typically be.Credit: teslaA Tesla spokesperson told Mashablein an email that the automaker changed its hardware specifically for the Chinese market to include the GB ports. They said the automaker will give current Chinese Tesla owners charging adapters and adjust the extant Supercharger network in the country to include GB charging hardware "over the coming months."
Tesla has much to gain in China, which is reportedly developing a plan to ban gas-powered vehicles entirely. By adjusting its charging port to be a better fit for the country, the automaker could make its cars a much more attractive — and practical — option for going electric.
