Tesla’s Series production of the seven-seat version has begun Model Y According to NBD, the Giga is in its Shanghai factory. The updated electric crossover is scheduled to be launched in the Chinese and European markets in October this year.

The Chinese model Y with third-row seats has already completed the homologation process for the European Union market. The new 7-seater will be 45 kg heavier than the standard 5-seater version.

Tesla’s China factory currently produces two cars, one of which is a sedan Model 3 and the Model Y crossover, both of which have 5 seats. Last year, Tesla launched an updated Model 3 in China under the codename Highland.

The updated Model Y, codenamed Juniper, is expected to be released in early 2025. Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed in June that the Model Y would not be updated this year. It is unclear whether the seven-seat Model Y will be the long-awaited upgrade to the Juniper.

Tesla launched a slightly updated Model Y for China last October, with more power, lighting and a redesigned dashboard, but the update wasn’t intended for export.

It’s also worth adding that Tesla began offering a 7-seat version of the original Model Y in the United States as early as 2021, exclusively for the all-wheel-drive dual-motor Model Y Long Range. A third seat is available for an additional $2,000.

The Model Y crossover sold nearly 300,000 units between January and July (including exports), making it the best-selling electric car in China by 2024, far surpassing the Model 3 sedan.