Tesla to initiate three-row Model Y manufacturing in China from May, as per a report
Tesla has officially started mass production of a three-row version of the Model Y, known as the Model Y L, at Gigafactory Shanghai. Reports from early August 2025 confirm that production has commenced, with the vehicle expected to enter the Chinese market this autumn.
The Model Y L features a longer wheelbase, allowing for three rows and six seats, including two captain seats in the second row. It is equipped with dual motors and an 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG Energy Solution, offering a CLTC range of about 751 km. The vehicle is also expected to inherit the latest updates from Tesla’s "Highland" Model 3 and "Juniper" Model Y facelift, such as a quieter cabin and upgraded infotainment system.
Camouflaged shipment photos suggest the factory has begun shipping these Model Y L units to stores in China, preparing for their debut and deliveries in the autumn of 2025. Tesla China is reportedly surveying which stores will first display this six-seat Model Y variant.
The three-row Model Y, referred to as the "E80," is an updated version of the electric SUV introduced in January. However, Tesla has not officially confirmed or denied the production plans for the three-row Model Y. Currently, Tesla's China website only shows the five-seat layout for the new Model Y. No seven-seat option of the new Model Y has appeared since the introduction of the updated version in January.
By introducing a new three-row option, Tesla could tap into demand from families seeking more spacious electric vehicles in China. However, Tesla is facing increasing competition from domestic automakers offering more affordable and feature-rich models in China. There has been a previous report suggesting that Tesla plans to produce a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026.
Tesla is offering a three-year zero-interest financing for Model Y purchases before the end of April. The information about the production plans comes from Chinese auto blogger @胖虎Shawn.
- The three-row Model Y, known as the Model Y L, is expected to be equipped with technology from Tesla's "Highland" Model 3 and "Juniper" Model Y facelift, including a quieter cabin and an upgraded infotainment system.
- With the introduction of the three-row Model Y L, Tesla could potentially capture demand from families in China seeking spacious electric vehicles, but faces competition from domestic automakers offering more affordable and feature-rich models.
- Tesla China is considering which stores will display theModel Y L first, as early photos suggest the factory has started shipping units to China in preparation for autumn deliveries.
- A previous report hinted at future plans for a lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," which is expected to be produced at Giga Shanghai starting in 2026. Current listings on Tesla's China website only show the five-seat layout for the new Model Y, with no seven-seat option available.
