Today's Edition
BEIJING (dpa)
Electric carmaker Tesla began accepting orders for its new Model Y in China on Tuesday, priced from approximately $47,000.
Deliveries of the new model, an expanded six-seat version of its best-selling SUV, are scheduled to begin in September in a push to capture more family-oriented buyers in a highly competitive market.
Despite the increase in size, the vehicle maintains an estimated range of 751 kilometres under China's official testing standard, supported by a larger battery.
Priced about $3,600 higher than the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Model YL remains cheaper than Tesla's Model X but faces pressure from rivals. Domestic electric vehicle (EV) makers such as Onvo offer six-seater SUVs for nearly $8,000 less, intensifying the price competition in China.
Tesla has not yet confirmed plans to bring the YL to the United States, though analysts suggest that a price near $51,000 could make it an appealing family option and potentially cannibalise demand for the Model X.
For now, the launch highlights Tesla's strategy to adapt its line-up for China, where it competes against established players like BYD and Xiaomi is amid challenging sales conditions.
