The updated Tesla Model Y appears to be gaining traction in China, with local media outlet 36kr reporting that pre-orders have reached 200,000. The surge in demand follows the launch of the refreshed five-seat SUV on January 10, with deliveries beginning on February 26.
Moreover, Tesla aims to launch the Cybertruck all-electric pickup this year in China despite regulatory hurdles. It is one of Tesla’s core goals. Despite the weak pickup truck demand in China, the company believes it can attract young customers, report notes.
The new Tesla Model Y launched on January 10 in China, receiving 50,000 orders the same day, according to previous reports. In February, the US automaker sold 30,688 China-made vehicles (those from Giga Shanghai), down 49% year-on-year. Those numbers include domestic sales and exports; the breakdown will be available next week when CPCA releases the data.
However, the year-on-year comparison with February 2024 makes little sense because of the moving Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday. The correct way is to compare January + February sales combined with the same period in 2024. It is more explained here.
In January + February, Tesla sold 93,926 China-made vehicles, down 28.7% from 131,812 in the same period last year.
200,000 orders
Tesla sales staff indicated that Beijing stores consistently secured around 100 new daily orders in the lead-up to deliveries. However, the report also noted that many of these were refundable pre-orders. Before the first deliveries, Tesla’s website displayed a “refundable deposit” notice, which was removed once the new Model Y began reaching customers.
In the first week after deliveries started, more than 6,000 units of the updated Model Y were handed over to buyers in China. The launch lineup included two variants—the rear-wheel-drive version starting at 263,500 yuan (36,400 USD) and the long-range all-wheel-drive model priced from 303,500 yuan (41,900 USD). The special “Launch Series” variants were available for a limited time until February 28, offering an extended warranty as an incentive.
On March 1, Tesla began selling the standard facelifted Model Y in China at the same price but without the extended warranty. Current wait times vary by model, with the rear-wheel-drive version estimated at 2-4 weeks and the long-range all-wheel-drive variant stretching to 6-10 weeks, according to Tesla’s Chinese website.
The long-range version has reportedly seen a higher conversion rate among pre-orders. Some customers expecting a four-week wait for the standard Model Y have already been notified of earlier-than-expected deliveries.
Beyond the vehicle refresh, Tesla rolled out a software update in China on February 25, introducing advanced driver-assistance features resembling Full Self-Driving (FSD). While the upgrade has generated buzz, Tesla sales staff remain cautious, advising customers against immediately purchasing the 64,000 yuan (8,800 USD) FSD package.
They noted that the system relies heavily on foreign data and may not yet perform optimally on Chinese roads. Instead, Tesla is expected to introduce a monthly subscription option for FSD, which could be a more cost-effective choice for buyers. “Don’t buy it now, better wait for the monthly subscription,” reported a cited Tesla sales staff.
“FSD” with its 64,000 yuan price tag, will be under lots of pressure in China as Xpeng and Huawei offer their comparable ADAS tech without additional cost to its users. BYD recently launched its God’s Eye ADAS, enabling assisted driving even on its entry-level 9,600 USD EVs.
Looking ahead, Tesla is reportedly prioritizing the introduction of the Cybertruck in China. While pickup trucks remain a niche market in the country, the bold and futuristic design of the Cybertruck could help reinvigorate Tesla’s brand appeal among younger consumers.
