Tesla’s new Model Y variant listed in China has a range of 659 kilometres, according to vehicle information published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The vehicle uses a 78.4 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, indicating a performance-oriented position within the Model Y range.
The variant was included in an NEV catalogue for vehicles eligible for purchase tax exemptions released by the MIIT on Thursday. The listing provides the first public details of its battery capacity and driving range.
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New Model Y Uses 78.4 kWh Battery
The new Model Y is equipped with a 78.4 kWh battery pack weighing 448 kilograms. Based on those figures, the battery has an energy density of approximately 175 Wh/kg.
The vehicle has a curb weight of 2,027 kilograms and a listed range of 659 kilometres.
The battery pack is the same capacity used in Tesla’s longest-range models currently sold in China and is supplied by LG Energy Solution’s local manufacturing operation.
However, the new Model Y’s range is considerably lower than the ratings of other Tesla models using the same battery capacity. The Model Y Long Range RWD is rated at up to 821 kilometres, while the Model 3 Long Range RWD has a stated range of 830 kilometres.
The six-seat Model Y L has a range of up to 751 kilometres.
Dual-Motor Setup Targets Higher Performance
The new Model Y uses dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
The front motor is rated at 176 kW, while the rear motor has an output rating of 291 kW. The vehicle also uses 21-inch wheels.
Its listed top speed is 250 km/h, significantly higher than the 201 km/h top speed of the Model Y variants currently available in China.
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The combination of dual motors, higher top speed and larger wheels points to a performance-focused configuration, although Tesla has not yet announced the model’s final market positioning or specifications beyond those disclosed in the MIIT filing.
Model Y Lineup in China
The new variant first appeared in an MIIT vehicle catalogue published on July 10.
Tesla currently sells the Model Y RWD, Model Y Long Range RWD and Model Y Long Range AWD in China, alongside the six-seat Model Y L.
The Model Y RWD starts at 263,500 yuan ($38,820), while the Model Y L starts at 339,000 yuan.
If Tesla launches the newly listed version as a performance model, it would sit at the top end of the company’s Model Y lineup in China.
Tesla has not yet disclosed the new variant’s official name, pricing or launch date.
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