Tesla to release new Model Y variant in China

Tesla has applied for approval of another variant of its Model Y in China. This is to feature the longest range of any Model Y in China. Furthermore, Tesla is bringing back ambitions of developing a more affordable car.

The Model Y+ has a 225 kW motor on the rear axle and will be equipped with an NMC battery from LG. No pricing has been released officially, but the new Model Y is expected to be priced between the entry-level and long-range all-wheel drive versions.

In terms of dimensions, the new Model Y variant is the same size as the current five-seat model, and runs on a 225 kW drive. No official range rating has been released, but the model is expected to achieve about 800 km on the CLTC range, considering that the Model 3 long-range variant achieves a CLTC range of 830 kilometers.

The regulatory approval step is the last step that an automobile manufacturer must take before releasing a vehicle on the market, but it is not simply a bureaucratic step: Public feedback can be submitted between October 10-15.

The Model 3+ is already available in China, and Tesla also delivered the long-wheelbase Model Y there in the summer.

According to Chinese media reports, Tesla is also planning to launch slimmed-down versions of the Model Y and Model 3 in China. However, production in China may not start until mid-2026 or later. This was revealed in a report by 36kr, citing multiple sources. The validation testing phase has apparently already begun, but production will not take place until next year, at the earliest.

This also marks a return to the somewhat abandoned $25,000 vehicle promise, which was previously envisioned by the US-American manufacturer. This was initially promised for the summer of 2025, but in February 2024, the project was put on hold.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com (both Model Y+), cnevpost.com, weixin.qq.com (in Chinese, both affordable models)