Tesla's new Model Y+ targets 497 miles range in China

Tesla is preparing to launch a new version of its popular Model Y in China. The new model, called the Model Y+ in the official Chinese filing, promises a longer driving range, a feature that's important for all EV drivers.

The new Model Y+ uses a single electric motor with a peak power of 225 kW, which is about 302 horsepower. This is the same motor found in the new long-range version of the Model 3 sedan that was launched in China a couple of months ago. The battery that powers this motor is a ternary lithium-ion pack supplied by LG Energy Solution, another similarity to its Model 3 sibling.

Tesla has not confirmed the driving range yet, but there's a consensus it will be around 497 miles based on the CLTC standard used in China. The vehicle dimensions are unchanged - it still measures 188.9 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and 63.9 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 113.8 inches. It will be a five-seat version, and there's no word yet of whether Tesla will offer this powertrain in the long-wheelbase Model Y.

Tesla plans to position this new long-range, rear-wheel-drive model between its existing Model Y offerings in China. Currently, customers can choose the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive model or the more expensive All-Wheel Drive Long Range version.

The base RWD model costs RMB 263,500 (about $37,000), uses a battery from CATL, and offers a range of 368 miles. The AWD Long Range model has two motors, an LG battery, provides a 466 miles range, and sells for RMB 313,500 (about $44,000). The new Model Y+ is expected to be priced somewhere between these two.

This new version is a strategic necessity, since Tesla has been struggling with sales in China. In August, the company's sales dropped by nearly 10 percent compared to the same month last year. This was the sixth month of year-over-year sales declines for Tesla in China in 2025, and local Chinese EV brands are putting serious pressure on the American automaker. By offering a vehicle with a headline-grabbing range figure, Tesla hopes to win back at least some customers.

Unfortunately, simply having the longest range doesn't guarantee a sales victory. The world of electric cars is no longer that simple. Carmakers are learning that buyers balance range, price, and features. Tesla itself learned that lesson recently when, less than a month after launching the Model 3 with a 516 miles range, the company had to cut its price by RMB 10,000. Even that huge range wasn't enough to get people to pay a premium.

Before the new Model Y+ can hit the roads, it needs final approval from the Chinese government. Tesla has submitted the vehicle's details to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This is the last major step in the regulatory process and after a short period for public comment, the vehicle should be cleared for sale.

Via