Tesla plans to initiate production of the three-row variant of Model Y in China by May, as per a recent report.
Tesla has officially launched a larger variant of the Model Y, called the Model Y L, in China. This new model, which is being produced at Giga Shanghai, offers a premium family-friendly configuration and is now available for sale.
The Model Y L boasts a six-inch longer wheelbase, a reshaped roofline, and improved interior space to accommodate three rows of seats comfortably. Production at the Shanghai Gigafactory has already begun, and deliveries are expected to start in China from September 2025.
This new model offers features such as power-operated second-row captain chairs, new seat designs, and expanded cargo space, making it Tesla’s most spacious Model Y variant to date. The Model Y faces increasing competition from domestic automakers offering more affordable and feature-rich models. However, the introduction of a new three-row option could help maintain its strong position in the Chinese EV market.
Tesla is reportedly preparing to begin production of the Model Y L, but no official U.S. production or sales timeline has been confirmed yet. The Model Y remains one of the best-selling electric vehicles in China, and Tesla is intensifying its promotional efforts to maintain its position in the world's largest EV market.
It's worth noting that Tesla's China website currently shows only the five-seat layout available for the new Model Y. However, the company recently expanded its offer to five years of zero-interest financing for purchases made before June 30.
According to Chinese auto blogger @胖虎Shawn, who has a track record of accurately reporting Tesla developments, Tesla refers to this three-row model as the "E80." There has been a report suggesting that Tesla planned to produce a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the production plans for the three-row Model Y.
By introducing a new three-row option, Tesla could tap into demand from families seeking more spacious electric vehicles. Production of the three-row Model Y is expected to start shortly after China's Labour Day holiday (May 1 to May 5).
In conclusion, Tesla's introduction of the three-row Model Y L offers a premium family-friendly electric vehicle option in China. While no official U.S. production or sales timeline has been confirmed, the Model Y L is expected to start deliveries in China in September 2025.
The Model Y L, Tesla's newest family-friendly variant of the Model Y, could potentially create a strong impact in China's automotive industry, as it offers more interior space and advanced features, positioning it against other electric vehicles in the market. With technology advancements such as power-operated second-row captain chairs, this Model Y L variant could equally challenge finance-oriented families seeking to invest in both spacious and technologically-rich transportation solutions.
