Tesla’s budget Model Y briefly appears on Chinese website, suggesting upcoming launch
Tesla appears to be preparing to introduce its Standard Range (budget version) Model Y to the Chinese market, following a brief appearance of the vehicle on Tesla China’s home charging webpage last week. The vehicle, which is already available in the US market, was quietly displayed on the Chinese site before being removed.
A Weibo user named Anting Dafan (安亭大帆), who contacted Tesla staff, has revealed that both the affordable Model Y and Model 3 variants are planned for the Chinese market, with the Model 3 expected to launch first, followed by the Model Y.
The Standard Range Model Y maintains nearly identical exterior dimensions to the refreshed Model Y but features reduced performance specifications. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h increases from 5.9 seconds in the rear-wheel drive version to 7 seconds in the budget variant. EPA-rated range decreases from 575 kilometers to 517 kilometers.
According to the budget versions launched in the US, it will eliminate or simplify more than 20 features compared to standard models. These changes include removing the front light bar, replacing power-adjustable mirrors with manual ones, eliminating double-layer laminated glass for windows, and replacing power-adjustable seats with manual controls. The vehicles will include lane-keeping assistance but not lane-centering functionality.
These modifications suggest Tesla’s product strategy for the coming years involves simplifying existing products to target lower price segments while leveraging its established brand reputation. When produced domestically in China, CarNewsChina estimates these models will likely be priced around 200,000 yuan (28,500 USD).
Editor’s comment
In 2025, BYD’s full-year sales of pure electric vehicles surpassed Tesla’s for the first time, with a significant lead of 620,000 units.
According to data released by BYD and Tesla in early January 2026, BYD sold approximately 2.26 million pure electric vehicles in 2025, marking a 27.9% year-over-year increase. Conversely, Tesla’s global sales stood at around 1.64 million units, representing a 9% year-over-year decline.
This disparity can, to some extent, be attributed to Tesla’s limited model lineup. For an extended period, Tesla has not offered models priced under 30,000 USD, leaving it without competitive offerings in this crucial segment. It remains uncertain whether the introduction of more affordable versions of the Model 3 and Model Y will significantly boost sales, particularly given the intensified competition in the Chinese market within this price bracket.
