Tesla plans to start mass production of the Model Y seven-seater option in the Giga Shanghai plant in October, domestic media reported. The updated electric SUV is intended to launch in the Chinese and European markets.
The China-made Model Y with third row of seats has already completed the homologation process for the European Union market, NBD reported. The new 7-seater will weigh 45 kg more than the standard 5-seat variant, the report also notes.
CarNewsChina reached its source inside Teslaโs Shanghai plant, which wants to stay anonymous as it is not authorized to speak with the media. The source denied that production had already started as it is planned for October but declined to provide more information about the 7-seater Model Y version as it is classified.
Teslaโs China plant currently produces two cars โ Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, both as 5-seaters only. Tesla launched an updated Model 3 codenamed Highland last year in China.
The updated Model Y, codename Juniper, is supposed to be launched in early 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reiterated in June that a Model Y refresh is not coming this year. It is unclear if the 7-seater Model Y will be the new Juniper update.
Tesla launched a slightly updated Model Y for China only in October last year, with more power, ambient lighting, and a revamped dashboard. However, this refresh was not intended for export.
In 2021, Tesla started offering a 7-seater version of the Model Y only for the 4WD dual motor Model Y Long Range in the US. The third of the seats cost 2,000 USD extra.
The Model Y SUV is the best-selling EV in China in 2024, with almost 300,000 units sold between January and July (including exports), far outselling the Model 3 sedan.
The RWD variant of the Tesla Model Y SUV starts at 249,900 yuan (35,000 USD), while the RWD variant of the Model 3 sedan starts at 231,900 yuan (32,500 USD) in China.
