Tesla Model Y production in China and Europe begins
Tesla's Model Y L Set to Expand Globally, Including Europe
Tesla's Model Y L, a long-wheelbase variant of the popular Model Y, is expected to be available in Europe, following its initial debut in China. Prototypes of the Model Y L have been spotted testing near Germany’s Nürburgring, suggesting Tesla's plans for a European launch.
The Model Y L is extended by approximately 178 mm (7 inches), with a 6-inch longer wheelbase to provide extra third-row seating space for six passengers. This extended version aims to offer rear seating comfort comparable to the pricier Model X, which is no longer orderable in Europe.
Production for China will continue at Giga Shanghai, but it is also speculated that production will happen at Giga Berlin, Fremont, and Giga Texas, implying global availability including Europe and North America. Tesla's European testing of the Model Y L prototype confirms it will undergo the required certification for European roads, reinforcing the expectation of a European market launch.
In China, the long-range Model Y is equipped with all-wheel drive and features six seats in three rows: individual seats in the second row and a bench seat in the third row. It is priced at 339,000 Yuan, eight percent higher than the previous top version, the Model Y Long Range AWD. The range of the Model Y L with the 82 kWh NMC battery is 751 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC standard, offering a slightly greater range than the Model Y Long Range AWD.
The system power of the Model Y L is not specified, but the front motor produces 142 kW, and the rear motor produces 198 kW. The wheelbase of the long-range Model Y is 150 millimeters longer than usual, providing more interior space.
The Model Y L accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and both the Model Y L and the Model Y Long Range AWD can reach a top speed of up to 201 km/h. It is currently unknown if the extended Model Y will be offered in Europe alongside the Model Y L.
[1] Teslarati. (2023). Tesla Model Y Long Range LRWB Spotted Testing In Europe, Could Debut Globally. [Online]. Available: https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-long-range-lrwb-spotted-testing-europe-debut/
[2] Electrek. (2023). Tesla Model Y LR LRWB: Everything we know so far. [Online]. Available: https://electrek.co/2023/03/07/tesla-model-y-lr-lrwb-everything-we-know-so-far/
