Tesla China definitely seems to be following an accelerated schedule in the well-speculated rollout of the Model Y L, the extended wheelbase, six-seat variant of the electric vehicle maker’s best-selling crossover.

Based on images that have been recently shared online, it appears that Tesla China has started shipping out some initial Model Y L units to select stores across the country.

Recent sighting

Last week, reports emerged suggesting that Giga Shanghai has started the production of the Model Y L. While the progress of the Model Y L’s rollout seems extremely quick, there have been notable signs that the electric car maker is indeed preparing for the rollout of the upcoming vehicle. The Model Y L, for example, was listed in the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) latest batch of new energy vehicle models that are eligible for vehicle purchase tax exemptions.

Less than a week after these reports, Tesla watchers from China have shared photos of a mysterious vehicle being transported to a Tesla showroom in Jiangsu. The vehicle in the images was wrapped from bumper to bumper, though one could see that it is quite a bit longer than the other Model Y being transported in the same truck. Interestingly enough, the covered Model Y unit also seemed to be equipped with different front seats than standard Model Ys.

What to expect from the Model Y L

The MIIT’s listing for the Model Y have provided a pretty good teaser on what to expect from the extended wheelbase version of Tesla’s best-selling crossover. As per the MIIT’s list, the Model Y L will feature a 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG Energy Solution, which should give the vehicle a CLTC range of 751 km. The Model Y L is also expected to add roughly 178 mm (7 inches) to the overall length of the standard Model Y, with 152 mm (6 inches) being dedicated to stretching the wheelbase.

Initial images from the MIIT’s list also suggest that the Model Y L will feature a dedicated badge with an afterimage effect on the “Y.” The vehicle’s wheels also seemed to be equipped with a new set of 19” wheels that feature a star-esque pattern.

Elon Musk recently highlighted what could arguably be the Model Y’s most underrated feature. The all-electric crossover has been lauded for many things, but beyond its utility, reasonable price, and performance, lies an aspect of the vehicle that Tesla has obsessed over since its development—its safety.

The Model Y’s rise

Tesla designed the Model Y to be the company’s best-selling vehicle. Produced on the heels of the Model 3, the Model Y was a vehicle that Elon Musk noted would outsell the Model 3, Model S, and Model X combined. Prior to its start of deliveries, such an accolade seemed far-fetched, since the Model 3 was such a domineering force in the EV sector.

It only took a matter of time before Elon Musk was proven right. The Model Y would go on to become Tesla’s best-selling vehicle by a wide margin. And in 2023 and 2024, the Model Y sold so much that it actually took the crown as the world’s best-selling car by volume. A lot of this was due to its balance between affordability, performance, and tech. There is simply no other car in its price range that offers comparable value for its price.

Tesla’s safety obsession

While the Model Y’s sales and performance in the automotive market are already impressive, its safety is also top-notch. Just recently, the new Model Y was able to earn a Top Safety Pick + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the fifth year in a row that the all-electric crossover was able to earn the prestigious accolade. To attain such a high rating, the Model Y would have to achieve “Good” results across the IIHS’ rigorous tests.

This was highlighted by CEO Elon Musk in a recent post on X. In response to a post about the new Model Y earning the highest safety rating from the IIHS, Musk highlighted the vehicle “rated highest in safety.” This is no exaggeration, as the Model Y has proven its safety and durability over the years. This has been proven time and time again, with the Model Y protecting its occupants even in the most serious of accidents.

A good example of this happened in January 2023, when a Model Y fell 250 feet down Devil’s Slide in California. The incident was disturbing, as it was later revealed that the driver intended to harm his wife and children by driving the Model Y off a cliff. The Model Y proved safe enough to save the family, and all four—the driver, his wife, and their two kids—survived the harrowing incident.

Tesla has been very secretive about any details surrounding its affordable vehicles, but a new sighting seems to have provided a first glimpse at the company’s cheaper Model Y. Based on the sighting, it appears that the vehicle will indeed be a stripped-out version of the all-electric crossover, but it could be the perfect starter car for a Robotaxi service.

Affordable Tesla

During the second quarter earnings call, Tesla VP for Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy stated that more affordable models will be available for everyone in Q4. He also confirmed that the production of the vehicles really did start in June, just as stated in Tesla’s previous Update Letters. 

Tesla executives, however, did not provide specific details about the affordable cars, save for a previous comment stating that they would be quite similar to what the company currently offers today. This has brought speculations that Tesla’s more affordable vehicles that were listed in its Update Letters will just be stripped-out versions of cars like the Model Y.

Recent Sighting

These speculations seemed to be accurate, at least based on a recent sighting of the affordable car that has recently been posted on social media. The video, which was reportedly captured in California, featured a stripped-out Model Y with several characteristics that will likely make it notably more affordable. 

Based on the video, it would appear that the affordable Model Y will feature no split headlights and no glass roof. The indirect light bar also seems to be absent from the vehicle. Inside, the vehicle did not seem to have cupholder covers and no rear screen. Its seats also look like Tesla’s non-ventilated vegan leather seats.

Interestingly enough, the vehicle, despite its evident cost-cutting measures, still features a front bumper camera. Considering that the car will be produced with Tesla’s AI6 chip, it would seem that Tesla is also designing the vehicle as an ideal car for its Robotaxi service.