Tesla is set to commence the mass production of the 7-seater Model Y variant at its Gigafactory Shanghai in October, as reported by domestic media. This updated electric SUV is poised to make its debut in both the Chinese and European markets. The China-manufactured Model Y, featuring an additional row of seats, has reportedly completed the necessary homologation process for entry into the European Union market. Notably, the new 7-seater version will have a curb weight that is 45 kg more than its 5-seater counterpart.

Despite an anonymous source inside Tesla’s Shanghai plant denying that production has already started, the anticipation for the 7-seater Model Y is building up. The source, who is not authorized to speak with the media, confirmed that the production is scheduled for October but declined to provide further details about the new variant due to its classified nature.

Currently, Tesla’s China plant manufactures two models: the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y SUV, both available only in 5-seater configurations. Last year, Tesla launched an updated Model 3 in China, codenamed Highland. The refreshed Model Y, internally known as Juniper, is slated for an early 2025 launch. However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reiterated that there will be no Model Y refresh this year, leaving the possibility open that the 7-seater Model Y could be part of the new Juniper update.

In October last year, Tesla introduced a slightly updated Model Y exclusively for the Chinese market, which included enhanced power, ambient lighting, and a revamped dashboard. This update, however, was not intended for export. In the US, Tesla began offering a 7-seater version of the Model Y for the 4WD dual motor Model Y Long Range in 2021, with the additional row of seats commanding a premium of $2,000.

The Model Y SUV has emerged as the best-selling electric vehicle in China for 2024, with nearly 300,000 units sold domestically and through exports between January and July, significantly outpacing the Model 3 sedan. The Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant of the Tesla Model Y SUV starts at $35,000 USD in China, while the RWD variant of the Model 3 sedan is priced at $32,500 USD.

However, there has been a twist in the tale with a report from Shanghai Securities News challenging the claims of National Business Daily. While the latter reported that Giga Shanghai was already producing the 7-seater Model Y variants, the former, citing a Tesla insider, refuted this claim. The insider, however, did not contest the other details regarding the 7-seater Model Y’s planned production and European export.

This development signifies Tesla’s continuous innovation and adaptation to meet the diverse needs of its global consumer base, with the 7-seater Model Y potentially offering more flexibility and appeal to families and larger groups.

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