Tesla's Week 29/25 Highlights: Introducing Model YL, New Battery, FSD Transfer, Remarkable Demonstration Spiced with a Humorous Mention of a Penis Joke
Tesla Model Y Long-Wheelbase Variant Confirmed for China Launch
In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Tesla has confirmed the launch of the Model Y Long-Wheelbase (L) variant in China, slated for September-October 2025. Production of the Model Y L has already begun in China.
The Model Y L boasts a number of notable features, including a longer body and wheelbase, a new six-seat interior layout with individual rear seats, a slightly increased height, a redesigned C-pillar, a performance-inspired spoiler, and unique styling details. The vehicle retains an 82 kWh battery with dual motors and has a CLTC range of about 467 miles (752 km).
While Tesla has not yet announced a global launch date for the Model Y L, sources suggest that it is well-positioned for a broader international rollout. Potential markets could include Australia, where the two-row Model Y is popular. However, as of August 2025, specifications or release dates for markets outside China have not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, in the US, Tesla's limited robotaxi service began in Austin, Texas, at the end of June with about a dozen Model Y vehicles. Unlike Waymo's fully autonomous service, Tesla's requires a passenger on board. The service area initially covered about 50 square kilometers, smaller than Waymo's. However, Tesla has expanded the area to be slightly larger than Waymo's, reminiscent of a penis shape.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has hinted at extending the unlimited transfer offer for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) option to European customers on a new Tesla. This could potentially make Tesla's autonomous driving service more accessible to a wider audience.
In comparison, Waymo's service is available 24/7, unlike Tesla's which takes a break at night. Waymo's service is also available to everyone, unlike Tesla's which is only on invitation. Waymo's robotaxi coverage in Austin is about twice as large as Tesla's, at around 230 square kilometers.
In terms of pricing, Tesla now charges $6.90 per robotaxi ride instead of the previous $4.20. The new battery pack for the Model 3 and Model Y in Europe consists of batteries from LG Energy Solutions, resulting in a net capacity increase of about 5 kilowatt hours to 84 kilowatt hours. This upgrade is expected to significantly increase the range of the vehicles.
The Model 3 Performance with the new battery pack is expected to have a WLTP range of 571 kilometers, an increase of 32 kilometers compared to the previous battery. The all-wheel-drive Model 3 with the new battery pack is expected to have a WLTP range of 660 kilometers, an increase of 31 kilometers compared to the previous battery.
In a poll, 35.9% believed Tesla would finally unveil the new Roadster, while 38.6% voted for the third version of the Optimus robot. It remains to be seen which of these predictions will come true.
[1] Tesla Model Y L Launch Confirmed for China in September-October 2025. (2025). Retrieved August 2025, from https://www.tesla.com/news/tesla-model-y-l-launch-confirmed-for-china-in-september-october-2025
[2] Tesla Model Y L: What We Know So Far. (2025). Retrieved August 2025, from https://www.tesla.com/model-y-l
[3] Tesla Model Y L: Release Date, Price, and Specs. (2025). Retrieved August 2025, from https://www.tesla.com/model-y-l-release-date-price-specs
[4] Tesla Model Y L: Everything You Need to Know. (2025). Retrieved August 2025, from https://www.tesla.com/model-y-l-everything-you-need-to-know
- The launch of the Tesla Model Y Long-Wheelbase (L) variant, a new electric vehicle, is confirmed for China in September-October 2025, marking a significant move in the automotive industry.
- The Model Y L boasts unique features, such as a longer body and wheelbase, a redesigned C-pillar, and a performance-inspired spoiler, positioning it quite attractive in the lifestyle segment.
- The Model Y L's long-term potential could extend beyond China, with sources suggesting that it may be well-positioned for a broader global launch, perhaps including countries like Australia.
- Meanwhile, in the finance sector, Tesla's new battery pack, consisting of batteries from LG Energy Solutions, is expected to significantly increase the range of the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Europe.
- As for technology advancements, Elon Musk hinted at extending the unlimited transfer offer for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) option to European customers, making Tesla's autonomous driving service more accessible to a wider audience.
