Tesla has returned to growth in China after two consecutive months of declines, with Giga Shanghai reporting a strong uptick in sales driven by the launch of the new six-seat Model Y L.
According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) on Friday, Tesla sold 90,812 vehicles in September, including both domestic deliveries and exports.
That marks a 2.8% year-over-year increase from 88,321 units in September 2024 and a 9.2% rise from August’s 83,192 vehicles — its highest monthly total since December 2024.
Model Y L Launch Spurs Demand
The sales rebound coincides with the start of deliveries for the Model Y L, a new long-wheelbase six-seat version of Tesla’s popular SUV that launched on August 19. The Model Y L targets larger Chinese families and wealthier consumers seeking roomier, premium electric vehicles (EVs).
Priced at 339,000 yuan (C$66,700/US$47,600), the new variant is roughly 30% more expensive than the base Model Y and features LG Energy Solution’s high-performance battery. It offers a driving range of up to 751 km, slightly exceeding the Long Range five-seat version. The three-row SUV measures nearly five meters in length and features a 3.04-meter wheelbase, providing significantly more cabin space.
Local reports indicate that the Model Y L received an overwhelming response, with over 120,000 orders placed within two weeks of launch, averaging nearly 10,000 per day.
Strong Quarter Despite Early-Year Challenges
From January through September, Tesla China delivered 606,364 vehicles, down 10.3% year-over-year due to sluggish performance in the first half of the year. Despite that, the company delivered 241,890 vehicles in the third quarter, representing 48.7% of Tesla’s global deliveries of 497,099 units.
Although Q3 sales in China declined 2.9% compared to the same period last year, they still grew 26% from Q2 — a sign that demand is recovering.
To further boost sales, Tesla is planning to release another new Model Y variant soon – the Model Y+. This will be a Long Range single-motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version with a projected range of over 800 km.
