Tesla's new Model Y, featuring six seats, said to commence its manufacturing journey
Tesla's long-awaited 6-seater Model Y, known as the Model Y L, has officially commenced production at the Gigafactory in Shanghai, China. This extended-wheelbase variant is bigger than the standard five-seat Model Y, offering more length, height, and wheelbase to accommodate a comfortable third row of seats.
The official release of the Model Y L is set for autumn 2025, initially in China, targeting the growing demand for larger family electric vehicles in a highly competitive market. The new model features individual middle-row seats (captain's chairs) and a roomier design compared to the previous seven-seat variant, which was reportedly cramped.
This marks the first time Tesla offers a 6-seat layout on the Model Y, aiming to add more flexibility and space for family use. Reports suggest that the 6-seater Model Y is likely to be first launched in China, with competition in the 6 and 7-seater electric vehicle (EV) market expected to increase over the next 12 months as brands like Hyundai, Xpeng, Zeekr, and potentially Tesla enter the market.
In Australia, where there are limited electric models available with 7-seats, the arrival of the 6-seater Model Y could encourage more family car buyers to consider EV options. Riz Akhtar, founder of carloop, a company specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, is among those eagerly awaiting the release. As a mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs and a goal to reduce transport emissions in Australia, Akhtar drives a red Tesla Model 3.
The first 6-seater Model Y is believed to have rolled off the production line at Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, and reports indicate that the vehicle has been spotted in the latest Tesla app firmware version last month. The rear design of the 6-seater Model Y has been upgraded to provide more headroom for third-row passengers, making it a promising option for families looking for a spacious and eco-friendly vehicle.
With Tesla's solid supercharger network, family road trips in the new Model Y L with more seats are set to become easier, offering a convenient and sustainable solution for family travel. As production progresses, Tesla is expected to announce further details about the global rollout of the 6-seater Model Y L.
The 6-seater Model Y L, a new variant from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai, aims to tap into the growing demand for larger family electric vehicles, especially in the competitive Chinese market. As more brands, such as Hyundai, Xpeng, Zeekr, and potentially Tesla itself, increase competition in the 6 and 7-seater electric vehicle market, innovation in the finance and technology sectors will be essential to stay competitive within the transportation and automotive industries.
