Tesla has delayed the planned release of the Model Y L in North America until late 2026, though the launch may not proceed at all as the company prioritizes development of its Robotaxi program.
The longer, six-seat version of the Model Y became available for order in China this week.
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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2025
The Model Y L, designed to appeal to buyers seeking a family-oriented electric SUV, has been spotted in prototype testing in Germany, raising expectations of a potential European launch. However, Tesla’s latest guidance suggests the vehicle’s rollout in the United States remains uncertain.
The company’s focus on Robotaxi raises questions about its product roadmap. Tesla has previously linked the introduction or cancellation of new models to progress in autonomous driving technology.
In June, Reuters reported that Tesla shelved its long-discussed entry-level “Model 2” to shift resources toward developing Robotaxis, also referred to as the Cybercab.
