Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has officially started production of the facelifted Model Y at its Shanghai factory, with deliveries set to begin in China on February 26. This comes slightly ahead of the initially planned March timeframe for the launch of the revamped crossover.
The Model Y has been a standout performer for Tesla, with a staggering 480,309 units delivered in China in 2024. This accounted for a significant 73.10 percent of Tesla’s total deliveries in China for the year, highlighting the popularity and success of the Model Y in the Chinese market.
Tesla introduced the updated Model Y, codenamed Juniper, in China on January 10, offering two variants known as the Launch Series. The company had initially indicated that deliveries of the facelifted Model Y were expected to commence in March, pending regulatory approval.
However, a recent update on Tesla’s Chinese website revealed that deliveries of the revamped Model Y would kick off in late February instead of March as previously indicated. This was further confirmed by Tesla’s announcement that production of the facelifted Model Y had already begun at its Shanghai factory.
The facelifted Model Y will be available in two Launch Series variants for a limited time until February 28. These include a rear-wheel-drive version starting at RMB 263,500 ($36,270) and a long-range all-wheel-drive version starting at RMB 303,500. Customers purchasing during this limited period will also receive an additional two-year or 40,000-kilometer extended warranty.
Notable changes to the facelifted Model Y include design cues inspired by the Cybertruck and Cybercab robotaxi, as well as a slight increase in range. Tesla’s Shanghai factory, which also produces the Model 3 sedan, has been instrumental in fulfilling local demand and serving as an export hub for the company.
Giga Shanghai, where the Model Y is produced, commenced operations in late 2019 and started deliveries of the locally produced Model 3 in January 2020, followed by the locally produced Model Y in January 2021. The success of the Model Y in China underscores Tesla’s strong position in the market and its ability to meet the demands of Chinese consumers.
With the facelifted Model Y set to hit the roads in China soon, Tesla is poised to continue its impressive growth and dominance in the electric vehicle market. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction remains evident in its latest offerings, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the EV industry.
