Tesla launched an extended six-seat Model Y L in China featuring a rear row of foldable seats, powered armrests, and a price of $47,200. The variant adds a third row and targets a market with high EV adoption and intense local competition from BYD, Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Nio. Chinese makers are seizing share with affordable, tech-rich electric models and rapid preorder volumes, such as Xiaomi's YU7. Chinese EVs face high tariffs in the US, and Tesla is prioritizing robotaxi and ride-hailing services domestically while preparing limited robotaxi launches and emphasizing a transition toward driverless vehicles.
The Model Y L, which adds new features including a rear row of foldable seats and powered armrests, went on sale for $47,200 in China on Tuesday. Its launch comes as Tesla battles fierce competition from local EV players like BYD, Xiaomi, and Xpeng. Electric vehicle adoption in China is far higher than in the US, and Chinese companies have rapidly taken market share with a wave of affordable electric models packed with high-tech features, including autonomous driving and voice controls.
Xiaomi says the YU7 received nearly 300,000 preorders in an hour after it launched. EV startups Xpeng and Nio have also unveiled their own Model Y rivals in recent weeks. In the US, where Chinese EVs are not available due to high tariffs, Tesla has increasingly focused on its robotaxi and ride-hailing services. The company launched its first robotaxi service, which is currently invite-only, in Austin in June.
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