Tesla is running a camouflaged Model Y L at its Fremont factory in California, and fresh footage from Tesla watchers has renewed talk that the larger six-seat SUV may be headed for North American production.
The vehicle was seen moving around the Fremont site with heavy camouflage in place. Earlier reports placed a similar prototype on California roads in April.
The Model Y L is Tesla’s stretched version of the Model Y. It first went on sale in China in 2025 and uses a longer wheelbase, more body length and a 2-2-2 seating layout for six passengers.
Chinese-market reports say the vehicle is about 150 mm longer in wheelbase than the standard Model Y and about 180 mm longer overall. It is reported to measure about 4,976 mm in length and ride on a 3,040 mm wheelbase. The China version is said to use dual-motor all-wheel drive with a combined output of 340 kW and a CLTC range of up to 751 km.
Fremont is one of Tesla’s main engineering and production sites, so any camouflaged prototype there gets close attention from Tesla trackers. The latest footage is being read as part of Tesla’s U.S. validation work for the vehicle.
Earlier reports said a Model Y L test mule was seen on Interstate 280 in the Bay Area in April, which marked the first public-road appearance of the vehicle in North America. Separate reports then linked possible Model Y L parts or test bodies to Gigafactory Texas, adding to talk that Tesla is preparing the vehicle for sale outside China.
What remains unclear
Tesla has not confirmed a U.S. launch date, and it has not released North American specs for the vehicle. It is still unclear if the Fremont prototype is a near-production car, an engineering mule or a compliance test vehicle.
There is no firm word yet on whether the U.S. version would keep the China-market seat layout or use changes in range, cabin trim or battery hardware. The company has stayed quiet, and that leaves room for speculation but not certainty.
You can watch the original footage below:
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