All eyes today are on the Model Y L, but this does not mean to say that Tesla’s other key projects are being put on the back burner.

Based on recent images taken of the Giga Texas complex, it appears that the electric vehicle maker is still moving full steam ahead with its preparations for the Cybercab, its two-seat dedicated autonomous Robotaxi.

New equipment deliveries

As observed by longtime Giga Texas watcher Joe Tegtmeyer during a recent flyover, Tesla is currently hard at work setting up the Cybercab lines. Based on the drone operator’s observations, much work is being done on the facility’s structural pack area, which has resulted in the buildout of more mezzanine floors and the installation of new equipment.

“The structural pack area has been undergoing a lot of upgrades over the past few months, including more mezzanine floors, production expansion & new equipment installation, & these images are an example of this work underway,” the drone operator wrote in a post on X.

Based on the pace of preparations being done in the Giga Texas complex, it appears that initial production of the two-seat Robotaxi might start soon. Tesla, after all, has an aggressive target for the ramp of the Cybercab.

Cybercab targets

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that he expects a run rate of about 2 million Cybercabs per year. For context, Tesla has yet to produce such a number from its existing lineup to date, even with the company’s production facilities across the United States, China, and Germany. Musk has stated that the Cybercab will be mass-produced at Giga Texas, but it will also be manufactured in other facilities when it is fully ramped. 

The Cybercab has a few tricks up its sleeve that should make it easier to produce. These include its “Unboxed” process, which should allow Tesla to ramp the production of the autonomous two-seater quickly. Elon Musk has noted in the past that the Cybercab line will be unlike anything that the world has ever seen, as it would resemble a consumer electronics line more than a conventional automotive assembly system.

Tesla seems determined to bring its FSD system to all corners of the globe as quickly as possible, and countries like Japan and Thailand are seemingly next on the list.

This was hinted at in recent reports suggesting that Tesla is now looking to bring FSD to the two Asian countries. 

FSD in Japan

As noted in a recent report from Nikkei, Tesla has started operating self-driving vehicles using FSD on public roads in Japan. The vehicles have a person in their driver’s seat, but they are only there to monitor the vehicle’s behavior since the actual driving is being done by FSD. The initiative reportedly started nationwide this summer.

The publication noted that while Tesla Japan is still in the process of testing FSD for public roads, the company is aiming to roll out the system to customers as soon as possible, pending compliance with domestic safety standards and guidelines. Both new vehicles and Teslas that have already been sold in Japan are expected to be capable of receiving FSD when it becomes available in the country. 

FSD is also coming to Thailand

Apart from Japan, Tesla is also working on making FSD available to Thailand. This was, at least, according to CEO Elon Musk in a post on social media platform X. Musk’s comment came as a response to a Tesla retail investor and owner who noted that there is still no FSD in Thailand. In his post, the TSLA retail investor noted that Tesla drivers in Thailand are eagerly anticipating the release of FSD.

Musk responded that Tesla is actually working on releasing FSD into the country, though the company is “waiting on regulatory approval.” Musk’s comment triggered speculations among Tesla watchers on X, with several speculating on just how many territories the company is bringing FSD into in the near future. Taking on Thailand’s roads is also a notable endeavor for FSD, considering that some cities, such as Bangkok, tend to have congested roads.

The Tesla Model Y L has been officially launched in China. The new variant of the all-electric crossover went live on the country’s Model Y configurator Tuesday morning local time. 

With a starting price of RMB 339,000 ($47,180), the Model Y L seems to have the makings of a potential best-seller.

Tesla Model Y L at a glance 

As could be seen in Tesla China’s official configurator, the Model Y L features a CLTC range of 751 km (467 miles). It also has an estimated 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, as well as a top speed of 210 km/h. 

The Model Y L features a long wheelbase six-seat layout, second row independent seats, continuously variable body damping shock absorbers, and a maximum storage space of 2,539 liters. The vehicle is also offered with an exclusive paint option called Starlight Gold, which is offered for an additional RMB 12,000. 

The Model Y L is only offered with 19-inch Mecha Wheels, which feature a unique star-esque pattern. The vehicle is also exclusively offered with a Dark Premium interior for now, though Tesla China stated that a Light Gray Premium interior option will be made available later. 

Tesla Model Y L distinct features

What truly makes the Model Y L unique is its extended wheelbase, which allows the vehicle to comfortably seat seven passengers, even if they are all adults. On its website, Tesla China noted that “each seat has ample legroom and is electrically adjustable and heated, with the second-row seats equipped with electric armrests. Optimized sound insulation effectively reduces noise.”

Interestingly enough, the second row seats of the vehicle also feature electric armrests, which should make things more comfortable for passengers. The second and third row seats also fold flat, which would be perfect for camping. Based on images of the vehicle’s interior, air vents have also been installed on both the second and third row seats, ensuring that all passengers are comfortable during trips.

Estimated deliveries of the Tesla Model Y L are expected to start September 2025.