Tesla’s Model Y L might not come to the U.S.

Tesla’s new Model Y L launched in China. It has a longer wheelbase, more space, and a third row that fits adults. The new seats are more comfortable. There are extra vents and USB-C chargers for people in the back. The suspension is updated. These changes fix common complaints from American buyers who want bigger SUVs.

Elon Musk says the Model Y L might not come to the U.S. soon. He said, “This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.” He believes driverless cars will change which vehicles people need. Some industry experts think Musk is worried about hurting Model Y sales. If he announces a bigger Model Y now, people may wait and stop buying the current model.

The Model Y has been the best-selling car worldwide. It’s popular, but some families say it’s too small. If you have more than four kids, you have to buy the Model X, starting at $84,990, which is expensive. The Model Y’s third row was so tight, only young kids could use it. Tesla discontinued seven-seat versions in some markets.

Tesla is working on the Robovan, which would be a full-size family or group vehicle. But it’s not ready, and needs full self-driving systems to work safely. That could take years for testing and legal approval.

More trucks and SUVs from Chinese brands pressured Tesla to update its own cars. The Model Y L offers American-style comfort and size, but only in China for now.

Some buyers want the extra space and still want to drive their own cars. “People have been buying the Model Y for two years more than any other car in the world,” an owner said. “To act as if many families would not appreciate the extra space seems very strange; a big complaint with the Model Y is that it simply does not fit larger families.”

Tesla faces two choices: keep current sales strong or promise bigger cars to compete with rising SUV demand. Self-driving plans sound bold, but families need more space right now. The Model Y L is a clear fit for American needs, but Tesla’s strategy is up in the air.

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