China auto industry body CPCA says Tesla Inc sold 90,812 China-made vehicles in Sept

China auto industry body CPCA says Tesla Inc sold 90,812 China-made vehicles in Sept

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) has filed a new Model Y variant in China, named "Model Y+," according to the latest vehicle catalog published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on October 9, 2025. The new model, officially registered as the long-range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version, is expected to achieve a CLTC range exceeding 800 km (c. 510 miles), positioning it among the highest-range variants currently filed for production in China.

The Model Y+ is priced to start around 280,000 CNY (c. $39,300 USD), compared to 263,500 CNY for the standard RWD Model Y and 315,500 CNY for the long-range all-wheel-drive version. This incremental update follows Tesla’s broader efforts to refresh its product range amid growing competition and slower global delivery growth. The new model uses a single rear motor configuration, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing production costs.

While detailed computing specifications were not disclosed, the Model Y+ is expected to carry Tesla’s in-house Full Self-Driving (FSD) software platform and OTA update support. The design remains largely consistent with the current Model Y, featuring the "Model Y+" badge and offering 19- and 20-inch wheel options with black trim packages.

The filing suggests that production could begin by late 2025, as MIIT registration typically precedes market launch by 1–2 months. Tesla has historically maintained three core Model Y variants in China, including the standard RWD, the long-range all-wheel-drive (AWD), and the six-seat Model YL variant introduced earlier this year.

Tesla's expansion of its variant portfolio globally aligns with efforts to address sales pressure and an aging product lineup, including recent cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants in the U.S. The company has been facing increasing competition from domestic rivals such as BYD (HKG:1211), XPeng (NYSE), and NIO (NYSE) in the Chinese market.