Tesla set to manufacture three-row version of Model Y in China starting from May, as per report
Tesla Introduces Three-Row Model Y L in China, US Production Uncertain
Tesla has entered the Chinese market with a new version of the Model Y, the Model Y L, featuring a three-row, six-seat configuration. The vehicle is currently being produced at Giga Shanghai and is available for purchase in China as of August 2025 [1][5].
The Model Y L boasts a longer wheelbase, about 6 inches longer than the standard Model Y, and offers enhanced headroom and legroom in the third row, as well as power-operated captain's chairs in the second row [1][2]. However, the US production of this longer six-seat Model Y variant remains uncertain, with CEO Elon Musk suggesting it might not start until the end of 2026, and even then, it might never happen due to uncertainties around the timeline for full self-driving technology in the US [3][4].
Tesla has been teasing the Model Y L as “coming soon” on Chinese social media, with sightings of the vehicle on transport trucks in China signaling that its launch is imminent or already underway [2]. The Model Y remains one of the best-selling electric vehicles in China, and the introduction of the three-row Model Y L could help Tesla maintain its strong position in the market by tapping into demand from families seeking more spacious electric vehicles.
In addition to the Model Y L, Tesla is reportedly planning to produce a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026 [6]. The three-row Model Y was not mentioned on the Tesla China website at the time of the report, but it is expected to enter production shortly after China's Labour Day holiday (May 1 to May 5) [7].
Tesla has not officially confirmed or denied the production plans for the three-row Model Y. However, the extended financing offer, which includes a three-year zero-interest financing offer for new Model Y purchases until the end of April and a new five-year zero-interest financing offer for purchases made before June 30, could encourage more customers to purchase a new Model Y before the offers expire [8].
| Aspect | Information | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Model | Tesla Model Y L (longer, 6 seats, 3 rows) | | Production Location | Giga Shanghai, China | | Availability | On sale in China as of August 2025 | | Differences from standard Y | 6-inch longer wheelbase, taller roofline, captain second row, improved third row head/legroom[1][2] | | US production | Possible by late 2026; not confirmed and might never happen[3][4] | | Financing Offers | Three-year zero-interest financing offer for new Model Y purchases until the end of April, and a new five-year zero-interest financing offer for purchases made before June 30 [8] | | Lower-Priced Model Y | Tesla reportedly planning to produce a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026 [6] | | Official Confirmation | Tesla has not officially confirmed or denied the production plans for the three-row Model Y [7] |
Sources:
- Tesla Model Y L three-row version spied in China
- Tesla Model Y L spied on the move in China
- Elon Musk says Tesla's six-seat Model Y might not come to the US
- Tesla's six-seat Model Y may never come to the US, Elon Musk says
- Tesla Model Y L is now available in China
- Tesla reportedly planning to produce a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026
- Tesla's three-row Model Y could enter production shortly after China's Labour Day holiday
- Tesla extends zero-interest financing offer to five years for purchases made before June 30
Read also:
- Show a modicum of decency, truly
- VinFast's debut EV plant in India, Tata Harrier EV distribution starts, next-gen Mahindra Bolero sightings caught on camera
- Tesla-powered residences in Houston create a buyers' frenzy
- Ford accelerates electric vehicle production with a $2 billion restructuring of its Kentucky factory.
