While US buyers can purchase the Model Y crossover with a seven-seater configuration (a $2,000 option) – other markets aren’t so lucky. But according to whispers out of China, that may soon change, with CNEV Post reporting that production of the three-row Model Y has already commenced at the Shanghai Gigafactory.
This information comes from National Business Daily, a Chinese publication that reported the news earlier this week. It’s worth noting that Tesla has yet to confirm this, so it needs to be treated as a rumor for now. Per the report, the seven-seater Model Y being built in China has already completed the necessary certification processes to be sold in European markets.
Model Y Seven-Seater Could Increase Sales In China And Europe
The Model Y sold in China (and several European markets) is available exclusively as a five-seater, limiting its capability and hindering sales. Adding a third-row option will boost appeal and allow those with larger families to consider the electric SUV. While the Model X is also available with additional seating, its higher price puts it out of reach for many EV shoppers.
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While this sounds promising, another Chinese media outlet, Shanghai Securities News, published a piece that quoted an unnamed Tesla official describing the news as false. So, it remains to be seen whether China and Europe will receive a seven-seater Model Y. CarBuzz has contacted Tesla for more information and will update the article once we receive a reply.
Could Arrive With The Updated Juniper Model
Conflicting stances aside, another report from September 2023 (mentioned by National Business Daily) claimed that the American automaker had plans to introduce an updated Model Y in H1 2024, with sales due to commence in the second half of the year. While the facelifted Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ prototype has been spotted testing, CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that an updated variant won’t be coming in 2024.
If such a configuration is in the works, it would make sense that an official reveal would only take place sometime next year, particularly since Tesla’s current focus is launching its long-promised self-driving robotaxi, the first step of which has been delayed from a previously announced showcase this month to October. It’s worth noting that, in July, BMW outsold Tesla, bringing an end to Tesla’s long-held sales lead. As a reminder, Tesla already sells the Model Y as a commercial vehicle in France, so adding a seven-seater to the European (and Chinese) lines only makes sense.
Source:
National Business Daily and Shanghai Securities News via
CNEV Post