Local reports from Hangzhou Daily and TechWeb on August 15, 2025 suggest that Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has begun shipping a long‑wheelbase version of its Model Y SUV from its Shanghai Gigafactory to retail stores in China.

According to spy photos published by X user @thaichiminh1907, car carriers loaded with camouflaged Model Y L vehicles were headed toward Jiangsu province, located roughly 200 km north of Shanghai.

Source: X @@thaichiminh1907

The covered vehicles appeared longer than the standard Model Y, supporting speculation that they are the new six‑seat long‑wheelbase variant.

If Tesla is already sending Model Y L units to Jiangsu—a province not adjacent to the Shanghai plant—it likely means that stores across China are preparing for display models ahead of an official launch.

Tesla had previously announced on its official Weibo account that the Model Y L would arrive in the “golden autumn,” suggesting a September release.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings provide a glimpse of what the Model Y L will offer. The regulatory documents describe the vehicle as a six‑seat, pure‑electric SUV measuring nearly five metres in length (about 196 inches), with a top speed of 201 km/h (c. 125 mph).

They also indicate that the vehicle uses an 82 kWh battery pack for a 751 km (c. 467 mile) range under the CLTC test cycle. Those figures suggest a similar range compared to the current Long Range AWD Model Y sold in China, which offers up to 750 km on the CLTC cycle with a 78.4 kWh battery.

The filing lists the vehicle as a “Model Y L,” hinting that the L may stand for “Long” and confirming rumours that Tesla is tailoring its popular SUV to Chinese consumers who prefer larger, multi‑row vehicles.

Source: MIIT

Tesla’s decision to develop a long‑wheelbase Model Y shows that the company is committed to localise products for the Chinese market, where spacious second rows and additional seating are paramount for family users.

The Model Y became Shanghai Gigafactory’s best‑selling model after its 2021 launch and helped Tesla exceed 950,000 deliveries in China in 2023.

Yet competition has intensified: NIO (NYSE:NIO) and Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) have recently launched three‑row SUVs such as the Onvo L90 and Li i8, each catering to family buyers. The Model Y L will therefore target the same demographic while leveraging Tesla’s brand cachet and Supercharger network.

In addition to the longer wheelbase, the Model Y L is expected to inherit the latest features from Tesla’s “Highland” Model 3 and “Juniper” Model Y facelift, which introduced a quieter cabin, upgraded infotainment system and new cameras.

The MIIT documents suggest that the Model Y L retains dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, which currently delivers 0–100 km/h acceleration in around 4.3 seconds on the Model Y Long Range AWD model.

The camouflaged vehicles spotted on carriers indicate that mass production at Giga Shanghai is well underway. Chinese media reports earlier in the week claimed that the plant began producing the Model Y L units in early August and had started evaluating which store would be the first to showcase the model.

Jiangsu’s distance from Shanghai suggests that Tesla is not merely transferring prototypes for testing but is distributing inventory ahead of launch.

It remains unclear whether the vehicles will go on sale immediately after arriving at stores or whether Tesla will allow potential buyers to view the car before ordering, a strategy it used when rolling out the “Highland” Model 3 in 2023. The shipments also hint that Tesla may soon announce pricing and open order books.

Pricing for the Model Y L has not been disclosed. For context, the standard rear‑wheel‑drive Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan (c. $36,700) in China, while the Long Range AWD version costs 313,500 yuan (c. $43,700).

We expect the six‑seat L variant to command a premium due to its extended dimensions and larger battery, possibly placing it at around 350,000 yuan (c. $48,700).

Tesla typically requires a refundable deposit of 2,000 yuan (c. $300) to reserve a vehicle, and any launch incentives—such as interest‑free financing or free Autopilot trials—will likely be announced closer to the release date.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = 7.18 CNY as of August 15 2025