- The new Model Y variant uses a single motor and batteries from LG Energy Solution, similar to the Model 3 variant with an 830-km range.
- The Model Y+ is expected to be priced between the entry-level and long range all-wheel drive versions.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has filed for a new variant of its five-seat Model Y SUV (sport utility vehicle) in China, expected to offer longer range similar to the new Model 3 sedan variant introduced two months ago.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a new regulatory catalog today for public comment, which includes the Model Y+.
Public feedback can be submitted between October 10-15. Inclusion in this catalog represents the final major regulatory step before a vehicle model can be permitted for sale in China.
The new Model Y+ has a single page with the model number TSL6480BEVBR0.
It is a five-seat model measuring 4,797 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,624 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm. These dimensions match the current five-seat Model Y on sale.
The new variant is a single-motor model with a peak motor power of 225 kW (302 horsepower), matching the new Model 3 long range variant launched in China on August 12.
Its uses ternary lithium-ion battery cells supplied by South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, also the same as the Model 3 long range variant.
The range specifications for the new Model Y variant remain undisclosed. However, referencing the Model 3 long range variant’s CLTC range of 830 kilometers, the new Model Y variant is expected to become the longest-range offering within the SUV lineup.
Currently available Model Y variants in China include the five-seat rear-wheel drive, five-seat long range all-wheel drive, and six-seat Model Y L, with starting prices of RMB 263,500 ($36,980), RMB 313,500, and RMB 339,000 respectively.
The entry-level variant uses batteries from CATL (HKG: 3750), while the other two variants utilize ternary batteries from LG Energy Solution. Their CLTC ranges are 593 km, 750 km, and 751 km respectively.
The Model Y+ filing mirrors July’s Model 3+ filing, which was ultimately launched as the long range rear-wheel drive variant.
The Model Y+ is expected to price between the base and long range all-wheel drive models, offering about 800 km CLTC range.
Tesla’s move comes as it faces sales pressure in the Chinese market, with models from local competitors becoming increasingly attractive.
The US electric vehicle (EV) maker sold 57,152 units in China in August, down 9.93 percent from 63,456 units in the same month last year, though up 40.71 percent from July’s 40,617 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
This marks Tesla’s sixth month of year-on-year retail sales decline in China this year. From January to August, it only saw year-on-year sales growth in China during March and June.
However, it is worth noting that longer range may not necessarily boost vehicle appeal.
Less than a month after launching the Model 3 variant with an 830-kilometer range, Tesla reduced its price by RMB 10,000 on September 1.
($1 = RMB 7.1264)
