SHANGHAI — Tesla kicked off orders for its new Model Y L, a long-range variant of its popular electric SUV, in China on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, with a starting price of approximately $47,200 (335,900 yuan). The move, announced via Tesla’s WeChat account, targets China’s booming electric vehicle market, where the Model Y has led sales since 2023, according to Reuters. Deliveries are slated to begin in September, with production ramping up at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.
The Model Y L boasts a 688-kilometer (427-mile) range per China’s CLTC standard, a 10% improvement over the standard Model Y, and includes upgraded features like a 17-inch touchscreen and enhanced autopilot capabilities. “This is about giving customers more range and value,” a Tesla spokesperson told Reuters, noting the vehicle’s appeal to urban and suburban drivers. The pricing undercuts rivals like BYD’s Song L EV, which starts at $50,000, positioning Tesla to maintain its 18% market share in China’s EV sector.
Key features of the Model Y L include:
- Extended Battery: A 94 kWh pack, boosting range for long-distance travel.
- Performance Upgrade: 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, rivaling premium EVs.
- Price Strategy: Competitive pricing to counter domestic brands like NIO.
The launch comes amid China’s EV market growing 35% year-over-year, with 9.8 million units sold in 2024, per the China Passenger Car Association. However, Tesla faces challenges from new U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, potentially impacting exports. Posts on X, including from @Teslarati, praised the Model Y L’s affordability, though some raised concerns about supply chain constraints. As Tesla expands its Shanghai output, the Model Y L could solidify its lead in China’s fiercely competitive EV landscape.
Source: Reuters
