Tesla prepares Model Y+ with top range

Tesla is working on a new Model Y+. This new model could have the longest range of any Model Y so far. China’s vehicle regulator, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), listed the Model Y+ in its latest public catalog.

Model Y+ specs and battery

New Model Y+ uses a single electric motor and produce up to 225 kW, or about 302 horsepower. Based on the MIIT’s catalog, Tesla is planning to use LG Energy Solution batteries, which are also in the Model 3+ that came out earlier this year. The new Model Y+ will have a five-seat setup and keep the same size as the regular Model Y.

While Tesla has not announced the official range yet. But looking at the Model 3+, which can travel 830 kilometers on one charge (using the CLTC testing standard), the Model Y+ is expected to have a range near 800 km CLTC. That is the highest range for any Model Y sold in China right now.

Price range

The new Model Y+ will likely cost more than the entry-level model but less than the LR all-wheel-drive version. The five-seat RWD Model Y currently starts at about RMB 263,500 ($37,011) in China and the LR AWD starts at RMB 313,500 ($44,033). There is also a six-seat Model Y L, which starts at RMB 339,000 ($47,615).

Tesla’s standard Model Y uses batteries from CATL, but both the long-range and the new Model Y+ use batteries from LG. Right now, the rear-wheel drive Model Y has a CLTC range of 593 km, the all-wheel drive gets 750 km, and the six-seater gets 751 km.

However, CLTC is the testing standard used for electric cars in China. It gives higher range numbers than the EPA standard used in the US. An 800 km CLTC range from Tesla would convert to about 575–590 km under EPA, and about 675–690 km using the WLTP standard (used in Europe).

The Model Y+ can help Tesla attract buyers who want longer range and proven technology, two things that are important to Chinese customers. How well the Model Y+ does will depend on its price and how it compares to rivals like Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV, which will launch with up to 835 km CLTC range.

Right now, The Model Y+ with number TSL6480BEVBR0 is up for public comment and final approval. Tesla can begin selling the car as soon as this step finishes. It will be built at the company’s Shanghai plant, which already makes most Tesla vehicles for Asia and Europe.

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