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Electric Tech Explored

Are Tesla Seats Real Leather? (Durability Test)

by Clint | Updated: March 11th, 2024
teslas leather seats

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Electric cars are known for being good for the environment. But consumers of Tesla have been questioning: how kind to the environment can the Model 3, S & X truly be if it has leather seats? Luckily, Elon Musk has thought of that.

The standard Tesla Model 3 has cloth seats. However, the $2,000 more expensive premium interior Tesla Model 3 has synthetic leather (also known as vegan leather) seats and a steering wheel. Coined “Tesla Synthetic Material,” it is derived from plastic rather than cows. These vegan leather seats come in variations of white, black, and cream. 

Can I Replace My Model 3 Seats With Real Leather?

You can replace your Model 3’s seats with real leather. But, it won’t be through Tesla. 

Once you find a seat upgrade kit you prefer, expect to pay around $2,000 to customize your Model 3’s interior. 

If you decide to replace your seats, cloth or synthetic leather, with real leather be wary of different styles of seats.

Two versions of seats have been released for the Model 3: Generation 1 and Generation 2. Some vehicles have both types of seating options, while others have one or the other. 

The differences between the seats are minute, but when replacing the material of the seats, their design qualities become very important. 

Why Don’t Model 3’s Have Leather Seats?

Tesla has been working closely with the organization of the People Against the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to produce a suitable synthetic leather for their vehicles to stop any potential cruelty towards animals.

Previously, Elon Musk shared concerns over vegan leather’s ability to maintain quality over time. He was also worried that sending heat through the leatherette material would lessen its integrity. 

With these problems solved, the Model 3 is fully vegan. Future Tesla models are also predicted to be vegan. 

tesla charging

Conclusion

Leather seats are a thing of the past for Tesla vehicles. But if you’re set on true leather, there are some options for upgrading your car. You can test drive a Tesla today if this has inspired you to check one out.

Tesla is thinking from a 360-degree perspective to help the environment. But it’s your car, and you need to make it exactly what you want to drive.