August 21 — Tesla's long-wheelbase Model Y L, which officially launched in China on Tuesday, won't be produced in the United States until at least late 2025, according to CEO Elon Musk. The executive also suggested the vehicle may never be manufactured in American factories.

The Model Y L, first announced on July 16 with a promised autumn debut, boasts impressive specifications: a 751 km (467 miles) range, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). Priced at ¥339,000 (approximately $46,700 USD) in China, deliveries are expected to begin in September.

Earlier industry reports had suggested that the Model Y L would follow the production pattern of the refreshed standard Model Y released earlier this year, eventually being manufactured at Gigafactory Berlin, the Fremont Factory in California, and Gigafactory Texas for global markets including Europe and North America.

However, Musk directly contradicted these expectations on social media, stating that this version of the Model Y will not begin production in the US before the end of next year. He further noted that, considering the development trajectory of autonomous driving technology in the US, the Model Y L may never be produced there at all.

While the standard Model Y features a five-seat configuration, the newly launched Model Y L is a long-wheelbase, six-seater model, offering expanded options for consumers. Industry analysts believe this variant could quickly become Tesla's best-selling family vehicle, though its global sales potential would be significantly limited if production remains exclusive to China.

Some industry observers speculate that Musk's comments about delayed US production could be strategic. By avoiding an early announcement of North American availability, Tesla may be protecting current sales of the standard Model Y, which remains the company's best-selling vehicle and a critical driver of revenue.

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