Elon Musk finally addressed what so many have been asking for. The Model YL, an elongated version of the Model Y, was launched in China recently, but until now, we haven’t heard about whether or not it would actually come to America. The long and the short of it is, very likely next year.

The Model Y is Tesla’s best-selling car. In fact, it’s one of the best-selling cars worldwide across all brands. It’s not surprising then that fans would want the new six-seater version wherever they can get it. That kind of automatic demand made bringing the car to the U.S. seem like a no-brainer, and it still is, unless Musk finally accomplishes what he’s been promising for several years.

More: Tesla’s Model Y L Gets Bigger And Pricier With New Six-Seat Layout

That promise is full-scale Level 5 autonomy to the point that it would negate the need for the Model YL. If that sounds a bit far-fetched, don’t feel bad. Musk has notoriously over-promised and under-delivered. Still, he finally addressed US production of the Model YL and brought up autonomy again.

In response to another person asking about the car on X 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.” No doubt, Tesla’s Robotaxi program is rolling out relatively fast, and faster than some cities say it legally can, but it’s far from a polished Level 5 system.

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

Every Robotaxi shuttling passengers around has an actual Tesla employee inside acting as a safety officer. On top of that, it begs the question that Musk didn’t respond to in his comment section. “Wouldn’t people with a lot of kids still want a 3-row SUV even with self-driving?” That didn’t come from some Tesla hater, either, but from the person the richest man in the world responded to in the first place.

Nevertheless, Musk isn’t saying exactly how larger families are supposed to get around, even if Robotaxi takes off. For now, expect Model YL production to begin in the USA late in 2026, or maybe even in early 2027.

Credit: Tesla

Long-wheelbase vehicles are popular in China and Tesla has finally hopped on the bandwagon with the Model Y L. It’s a six-seat crossover geared towards growing families.

Jumping right into the numbers, the electric crossover measures 195.9 inches (4,976 mm) long, 83.8 inches (2,129 mm) wide, and 65.7 inches (1,668 mm) tall. This means the Model Y L is 7 inches (179 mm) longer than the regular model and is 1.7 inches (44 mm) taller.

More: 2025 Tesla Model Y Debuts With Cybercab Looks And Turn Signal Stalks

Despite being significantly larger, the vehicle is instantly recognizable as a Model Y. However, the long-wheelbase variant is distinguished by a revised greenhouse, longer rear doors, and unique 19-inch wheels. It also has a more pronounced rear spoiler.

The updates continue inside as the 15.4-inch infotainment system has been replaced by a larger 16-inch display. More notably, there are second-row captain’s chairs that have heating and ventilation as well as power-folding armrests and a power-folding seat function.

The heated third-row seat looks a little tight, but it folds flat at the push of a button. We can also see rear air vents and cup holders.

If cargo is more important than people, you’ll find 89.7 cubic feet (2,539 liters) of storage space. That’s 14.2 cubic feet (401 liters) more than the regular Model Y.

Other notable highlights include a panoramic glass roof and acoustic glass to keep the cabin hushed. They’re joined by an 18-speaker audio system and an 8-inch rear display.

Tesla only revealed a handful of powertrain details, but confirmed the Model Y L has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a CLTC range of 467 miles (751 km). The crossover can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than its smaller sibling.

Given the larger dimensions, it’s not surprising to learn the crossover gains 212 lbs (96 kg) of weight to tip the scales at 4,603 lbs (2,088 kg). To cope with the increased mass, the Model Y L has an “upgraded suspension” that “allows for smooth and precise vehicle control in corners and on various terrains.”

The long versions starts at ¥339,000 ($47,199), which is only ¥25,500 ($3,550) more than the all-wheel drive Model Y. Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention come standard, while two driver assistance packages give you more advanced options.

Despite getting a facelift earlier this year, the formerly dominant Model Y has seen demand sagging, but Tesla has some tricks up its sleeve to help grab buyers’ attention. One is a Performance variant, something absent from the electric crossover’s lineup since the spring. Another is a basic entry-level trim. And then there’s this: the long-wheelbase Model Y L.

The L is already on sale in China and is due to make its European debut later this year. It gains around 6 inches (150 mm) of wheelbase over the 113.8 inches (2,890 mm) on the current Model Y that is used to add a third row of seats, most likely in a 2+2+2 configuration.

Related: This Could Be The Fastest Model Y Ever But Tesla Won’t Tell You

Although both US and European Model Ys were previously available with the option of a third row, it was pretty cramped as the wheelbase was the same and the feature wasn’t offered on the facelifted ‘Juniper’. Bringing a third row back, only this time with extra legroom, should improve the take-up rate and is vital in Europe, because the Model X was recently discontinued in the region.

The overall shape of the L is very similar to the stock Model Y’s, but the L’s stretch is evident in the shape of the rear door. On the SWB variant the wheelarch cuts a big chunk out of the door, but on the L the shutline is almost in front of the wheel. From the B pillar forward, however, the two Model Ys will be identical, both featuring the new LED light bar and slim headlights that arrived with the February facelift.

There’s another little L giveaway, though, one that you’ll spot even if you don’t get a look at the longer profile. And it’s a detail that looks like it ought to be fitted to the range-topping Model Y Performance that’s also due to launch later this year. Instead of a flat spoiler jutting out from below the rear window on the hatch, the L gets a ducktail spoiler worthy of an entry in a BMW tuner’s catalog.

Perhaps the L’s subtly different shape demands more stability at high speeds, not that it’s any speedier than the regular Model Y. In fact, due to a slight increase in curb weight it should, in theory, be fractionally slower than the dual-motor, AWD short-wheelbase model, which Tesla says can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds.

SHProshots

Compared with their predecessors from a decade ago, today’s EVs go further, charge faster and have far more charging stations to choose from, but some would-be buyers still cite range anxiety as a reason for not going electric. And the results of a new study investigating the real range of EVs currently on sale suggests those fears are entirely justifiable.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) picked five EVs from a mix of brands as part of its government-funded four-year test designed to arm the nation’s car buyers with honest data. After subjecting each of the electric cars to a real-world driving route it found one of models delivered 23 percent less range than its maker claims.

Related: After 100K Miles, VW’s EV Barely Lost Range Thanks To One Trick

That car, the BYD Atto 3, only achieved 229 miles (369 km) before needing a recharge, representing a 69-mile (111 km) shortfall on the Chinese automaker’s 298-mile (480 km) official figure. Tesla’s Model 3 didn’t tell quite so big a lie, but it also failed to live up to its official range figures by a fairly large margin considering the tests weren’t carried out in the Arctic. The 274 miles (441 km) it achieved was 14 percent lower than Tesla’s 319-mile (513 km) claim.

Inconsistent Accuracy

But the big takeaway from the investigation isn’t that all EV range claims are wildly inaccurate. All five cars delivered fewer miles than advertized, and the BYD was wildly off. But one of the cars very nearly matched its official range, falling just 5 percent short, and it’s this difference across the brands, and cross models within the same brand, that’s the real problem for consumers.

If they knew that every car over-promised by 20 percent, it would be easier to make buying decisions than it is when you’ve no idea which brands to believe. It’s for this reason that these kind of independent tests are so useful for buyers looking at spending tens of thousands of dollars on a new car.

Standout Performer

The AAA’s test champ was the Smart #3, whose 268-mile (432 km) true range was only 14 miles (23 km) out. Kia’s EV6 and the Tesla Model Y also performed relatively well, each returning 8 percent less range than claimed.

AAA

Imagine waking up one morning to find what appear to be unsold overflow vehicles from your local dealership parked all over your street. That’s essentially what some residents in Signal Hill, California, believe is going on. The dealer in question just happens to be Tesla, and the cars appear to be old stock with paper tags that are now overflowing onto public streets.

Also: Tesla Dumping Unsold Cybertrucks At Mall Parking Lot And The City’s Fed Up

One resident told SF Gate that “it seemed like they just appeared overnight” and that at one point she counted 24 scattered throughout her neighborhood. That’s a lot of cars anywhere, but these vehicles are making a bad problem even worse. Parking in Signal Hill, like most anywhere in Los Angeles County, is tough to find.

Parking Limits, Loopholes, and Local Frustration

Evidently, it’s not just the local residents who are noticing the issue. Parking enforcement has added warnings to some of the cars in question. Legally speaking, they are allowed to be there, though they may not park in any one spot for more than 72 hours consecutively.

According to the resident mentioned above, the cars “seem to move fairly regularly to avoid being ticketed.”

Why would Tesla make a move like this? The automaker has a dealership in the heart of Signal Hill. It’s well known for using parking lots to store excess overflow, too. For over a year, it has used an abandoned mall in Missouri as an overflow lot. It got into hot water over a similar plan in Michigan earlier this year. We’ve seen it do something similar in Miami, too, with much smaller lots.

Tesla uses the in process demolished chesterfield mall to store vehicles. Very ironic really. $TSLA pic.twitter.com/NNtfb1zykE

— Kevin Melnuk (@KevinMelnuk) June 8, 2025

A Pattern That’s Hard to Ignore

While it hasn’t been confirmed that Tesla or its dealership is behind the parked cars in Signal Hill, it would be unusual for another organization to be responsible. The paper tags and consistent vehicle type suggest a single source, and Tesla’s past tactics point in a familiar direction.

SF Gate reached out to the local police, tow companies, and to the Tesla dealership, hoping to shed light on the situation, but nothing came of it. We reached out to Tesla itself but have yet to hear back. The company is notorious for ignoring press requests. At this point, it sounds like someone is going to have to ask one of the people moving the cars just what exactly is going on. 

Even if opinions on Tesla and its billionaire CEO are sharply divided, there’s little debate over the company’s track record in building some of the most capable electric vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars themselves, Tesla also maintains a wide catalog of accessories, many of which are affordable, easy to install, and ship directly to buyers. The newest addition to that lineup may not be a technological leap, but it’s likely to catch on with owners.

Read: California EV Buyers Are Turning Their Backs On Tesla

Tesla’s online shop was recently updated to include a front lighting system designed for the front of both the Model 3 and Model Y. Given how handy the front storage compartment of the two best-selling Tesla models is, it’s perhaps somewhat of a surprise they don’t usually feature any kind of lighting system. Come to think of it, many EVs with storage frunks don’t include a light, so Tesla’s solution is a good one.

The kit, costing $100 in the US or CA$130 in Canada, includes a thin lighting strip that runs along the underside of the frunk’s rubber seal. Also included in the kit is a small power module that sticks to an area near the frunk’s emergency release switch connector. It then plugs straight in. The light strip is held in place by tape and includes IP67 dustproof and waterproof ratings.

Compatibility Limits

Importantly, the lighting kit is only available for 2020-2024 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, meaning the newer ‘Highland’ Model 3 and ‘Juniper’ Model Y are not suitable for this kit. However, Not a Tesla App reports that a similar kit is being developed for these models.

As mentioned, there are dozens of other accessories offered for all Tesla vehicles, including the slower-selling Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Among the most popular are roof racks, all-weather floor liners, sunshades for Tesla’s panoramic glass roofs, and new storage cubby trays.

Tesla sales are in free-fall and the automaker doesn’t have any genuinely new product on the horizon ready to save the day. Instead, as Elon Musk himself hinted, Tesla is stripping features from the existing Model Y to build a more affordable SUV. Today, we got our first look at the no-frills EV that could cost as little as $36,000.

Also: Tesla’s Bigger Model Y Just Leaked And It’s Packing More Than Extra Legroom

The de-contented Model Y was spied in China where Tesla is facing stiff competition from domestic rivals engaged in a fierce price war. Images show a prototype of the budget Y parked next to a regular version of the SUV featuring the facelifted ‘Juniper’ look that was revealed earlier this year.

Scaling Back the Juniper Touches Inside and Out

But Chinese reports and spy shots suggest some of the key Juniper features, the front light bar and full-width rear light strip, have been cut from the entry-level machine.

There are some important omissions inside, too, where rear-seat passengers might find themselves feeling rather more claustrophobic. And that’s not because there’s less rear space, but because it looks much darker in there. Tesla has junked the panoramic roof to cut costs, replacing it with a simple black panel.

Other features missing from the interior include the 8-inch rear compartment touchscreen and the console found on all other facelifted Model Ys. The new EV does have a console, but it’s split, the portion between the seats ending with a pair of open cupholders just after the armrest.

What’s Still Included, and What Might Not Be

The 15.4-inch touchscreen is still present, and another aspect of the new base car that won’t be simplified, China’s Autohome reports, is the ADAS. We expect the budget Y to come equipped with Autopilot, just like other trims, though whether Tesla will reduce the power and range remains to be seen. America’s current entry-level Model Y, the Long Range RWD does zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) in 5.4 seconds and has an EPA range of 357 miles (575 km).

That LR RWD is available for $37,490 in the US right now, but only thanks to a $7,500 tax credit that is being phased out in September – its MSRP is $44,990. By stripping out some of the luxuries Tesla hopes it can deliver a Model Y at a tax-credit price even after the subsidy has disappeared. Some reports have suggested the price could be a low as $36,000 when it goes on sale in the final few months of 2025.

Geek Piggy/Garage 42 / Weibo

Ever since Tesla’s inception, California has been one of its most important markets, thanks to the state’s progressive policies and deep commitment to electric vehicles. While California remains hugely important for Tesla, new registrations continue their decline for the seventh straight quarter. Alarm bells should be ringing at Tesla HQ.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

Data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) shows that 41,138 new Tesla registrations were recorded across the state in the second quarter. That’s a significant 21.1 percent decline from Q2 in 2024 and was no doubt caused in part by Musk’s continued involvement in politics, including forming the new America Party.

Sales Slide Continues Into 2025

The picture doesn’t improve when looking at year-to-date figures. Tesla’s California sales for the first half of 2025 are down 18.3 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. To reverse course, Tesla may need to accelerate the rollout of its rumored budget-friendly, stripped-down Model Y, a move that could help re-engage cost-conscious buyers, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit set to expire on September 30.

While Tesla’s sales in California continue to fall, the Model Y and Model 3 are still the best-selling new EVs in the state. This year, a total of 44,112 Model Ys have been registered in California, while 31,394 Model 3s have also found new homes. The next best-selling hybrid, PHEV, or ZEV model is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, shifting 30,464 units over the same period.

Behind the Model Y and Model S, the third best-selling EV in California is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with 7,498 examples sold through the first half. That positioned it ahead of the Honda Prologue with 5,931, the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 5,594, the Chevrolet Equinox at 5,584, and the BMW i4 with 5,396 units registered.

Tesla’s declining numbers stand in contrast to broader industry gains. Toyota, for example, saw its second-quarter sales in California rise 9.8 percent, from 78,964 to 86,683 vehicles. Honda also posted a 9.3 percent increase, jumping from 49,651 to 54,278 registrations over the same period.

Elon Musk may have let the cat out of the bag on Wednesday when he mentioned the Model Y during Tesla’s Q2 earnings call. When asked about the company’s next vehicle, his response led many to believe it could end up being little more than a stripped-down Model Y. Whether that turns out to be the case or not, there’s reason to think the timing might actually work in Tesla’s favor.

Tesla just had an incredibly rough first half of the year. It reported the steepest decline in quarterly revenue (12%) it’s seen in over a decade. That comes despite the recently updated Model Y, the brand’s most popular car. As a result, the stock is down over $30 as of this writing.

Read: Robotaxis And Roadsters Can’t Save Tesla From This Revenue Crash

The company promised that it has high hopes for the future, and one is a new ‘affordable model.’ Set to go into volume production later this year, Tesla is apparently already building it in low numbers. Amid questions at the end of yesterday’s earnings call, someone asked what the new model would look like.

Hints at the Next Model

Elon Musk cut off another executive who was hesitating to answer the question by saying either “It looks like a Model Y,” or “It’s just a Model Y.” The audio from the video just isn’t crisp enough to be certain. That said, it gives us enough information to come up with some additional conclusions. For one thing, don’t expect some jarring, abrasive, futuristic design like a shrunken Cybertruck.

Whatever this turns out to be, it’s likely to look like, if not actually be, a Model Y with significantly fewer features. Tesla could cut back on battery capacity, remove elements like the rear-seat screen, reduce the number of cameras, and scale down on sound-deadening materials. It might also modify the battery chemistry or swap in different motors to lower production costs. Reusing existing Model Y tooling would almost certainly help keep expenses in check as well.

That said, not everyone is stoked about the possibility of a de-contented Model Y. Some called it out for just being disappointing as a new model. Others are worried it’ll be a massive problem for Tesla as a business. “Model S, Model X, CT are all failing, Model 3 was cannibalized by Model Y being such a success. And now the Model Y lite will crush the Model Y sales with lower margin.”

A Well-Timed Launch?

That may or may not be true, but fans of the brand still have reason to hope for good things. Tesla could still come out on top of this entire situation. Whether the cheaper vehicle coming looks exactly like the current Model Y or a scaled-down version, it sounds like it’s coming at the right time. Federal tax credits are about to go away, at least for the next few years, it seems.

That’ll make selling electric vehicles harder for just about every brand. If Tesla can launch this new ‘affordable model’ just as other brands are now having to sell their cars without the tax credit, it could help Tesla dig out of the hole it’s in.

That would be extremely disappointing. If it’s just another trim… why not release it a long time ago? Doesn’t make any sense. A cheaper made Model Y that’s a free thousand dollars cheaper is not going to move the needle. We need a CyberCab with pedals and steering wheel

— Ramy (@TeslaXplored) July 24, 2025

Tesla still commands a 40+ percent share of the US EV market, but demand is down 11 percent Jan-June, and it’s not only declining new car sales that are causing alarm. The brand also dominates a list of the used cars whose value is dropping hardest.

Related: Tesla Suddenly Wants You To Buy Now After Years Of Opposing EV Credits

The Elon Musk-headed automaker bagged four spaces in the top 10 list of biggest losers collated by the data crunchers at iSeeCars, and a fourth Tesla also found its way onto the chart.

Including one other brand’s value-shedding model, EVs accounted for five of the 10 cars judged to have shed the biggest percentage of their value in 10 months. And that’s despite electric vehicles only accounting for 3.3 percent of the 1- to 5-year-old used market.

Tesla Tops the List of Falling Used Car Values

The study found the Model S suffered the biggest percentage price drop – though not the biggest dollar drop. The sedan’s average price in June 2025 was $46,700, which is 15.8 percent or $8,800 lower than it was 12 months earlier.

The Model X SUV actually lost more money – $9,500 – but due to its higher initial price, that drop only represented a 15.5 percent fall, putting it in second place. Third spot went to the Model Y, which fell $4,600 or 13.6 percent, probably in part due to the arrival of a facelifted version of the SUV this spring.

TOP 10 USED CAR PRICE DROPS

The Model 3’s value slid 9.4 percent, putting it in sixth spot, behind the fourth-place Ford Explorer hybrid (down 10 percent) and Jeep Gladiator (fifth place, down 9.6 percent). And Porsche’s Taycan lost 7 percent of its value, earning it eighth place, meaning all five of the EVs on the list lost far more than the average EV, whose value fell by 4.8 percent.

Sandwiched between the Model 3 and the Taycan is the Maserati Levante (seventh place, down 7.9 percent), and the top 10 is rounded out by the Chrysler Voyager (ninth, down 6.6 percent) and Lincoln Aviator (tenth, down 5.9 percent).

Used EV Values Lag Behind the Market

All five EVs on the list fell significantly more than the average for used electric vehicles, which dropped just 4.8 percent. By contrast, used internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles actually gained in value slightly, up 5.2 percent on average over the same 12-month period.

The study appears to show that American consumers are less interested in EVs as used cars, and that sentiment is likely to carry over into future years as this September’s scrapping of EV tax credits begins to take effect and the ripples are felt in the used market.

For many drivers accustomed to tame, underpowered daily commuters, even the base version of the Tesla Model Y can feel like a thrilling step up. But for those who want more than just a taste of performance, the standard Model Y doesn’t quite cut it. Fortunately, Tesla has something in the works for that crowd.

Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

For several months now, the automaker has been developing a new Model Y Performance. It’ll follow the same basic recipe as the first-generation model and likely be equipped with the same powertrain as the current Model 3 Performance.

Testing at the Green Hell

Our spy photographers have snapped it testing multiple times around the world, and recently, a camouflaged prototype was seen out and about on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

In a recent clip shared to Instagram by Wilcoblok and Teslaplaidtok, the prototype was captured exiting the pit lane and gradually merging onto the famed circuit. It was driven at a relaxed pace, offering no clues about its true performance potential.

Since Tesla hasn’t recorded an official lap time at the track with the current Model 3 Performance, it seems unlikely they’ll attempt one with the Model Y Performance either. If they did, a time somewhere in the eight-minute range seems reasonable.

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Powertrain and Performance Specs

Like its sedan sibling, the Model Y Performance will use a pair of electric motors, which should combine to produce the same 510 hp and 554 lb-ft of torque. Due to the added size and weight of the Y, it won’t be quite as quick, but it should still run to 60 mph (96 km/h) in around 3.2 seconds. This would be a slight improvement from the old model’s 3.5-second time, making it the fastest version of the electric crossover ever.

Visually, this prototype looks like it has more aggressive bumpers than the regular Model Y. We can also see a large lip spoiler at the rear. Last month, a Model Y Performance was filmed testing without camouflage, revealing a distinctive rear bumper with two subtle diffusers.

We expect to see the new Model Y Performance premiere before the end of the year. Prices won’t be known until then, but it’s a safe bet that it’ll start at around $55,000.

Baldauf

It’s not quite official, but it’s close. We’ve known for a while that Tesla was working on a six-seater version of the Model Y, and now, thanks to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), we’re getting our first official look.

Read: Tesla Suddenly Wants You To Buy Now After Years Of Opposing EV Credits

Documents filed with the MIIT reveal a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y, dubbed the Model Y L, configured with three rows of seating. But it’s not just about added space. Based on the filings and industry reports, this version brings more power along with the stretched cabin, signaling a meaningful update to the existing lineup. It’s expected to launch in China this fall, with a North American debut potentially following soon after.

A Six-Seat Layout With Extra Room

First and foremost, let’s break down the details. This new Model Y L features six seats, not seven, so expect it to roll out with captain’s chairs in the second row. It’s 4,976mm long or 186mm (7.3 inches) longer than the normal Model Y. It’s also 44mm (1.7 inches) taller. The extra length isn’t just an extended body like we’ve seen in vehicles such as the Ford Expedition Max.

Instead, Tesla extended the wheelbase to 3,040mm, or 150mm (5.9 inches) longer than the five-seat Model Y. In addition to the added length, the new Y L gets unique wheels, an updated spoiler, new seats, and appears as though it’ll be available with a new gold paint color.

The official documents also reveal that it’ll make more power too. The five-seat Model Y makes 443 horsepower (331 kW), but the Model Y L will arrive with 455 ponies (340 kW). That should help with the additional weight on board. Notably, Tesla has hinted in the past that a seven-passenger version of the Model Y is coming.

Based on the MIIT filing, this isn’t that version. Still, it wouldn’t take much, adding a bench seat or tweaking the current layout could easily accommodate seven passengers. What remains unclear is whether the new seven-seater will follow the previous generation’s approach, using the standard wheelbase with two tightly squeezed seats in the rear, or if Tesla plans to do something different this time around.

The email Tesla sent to U.S. owners in June wasn’t the only hint at a North American launch for the Model Y L. Leaks from internal code point to it being a global model. With the debut of the Model Y L, that update now appears to be just around the corner.

Modern cars are subjected to all kinds of crash scenarios before they’re legally allowed on US streets, and they protect us far better than an old car ever could. But a higher force must have been protecting the driver of a Model Y in California who walked away from an accident that by all rights should have resulted in a one-way ticket to the morgue.

The images of the wrecked Model Y from the CHP are truly jaw-dropping and show a pre-facelift Model Y doing its best impression of a monorail carriage.

Related: See What Happens When Two Cars Hit A Chinese EV In A Triple Crash Test

The side of the car is entirely undamaged, and you could almost say it looks like it slid sideways against the guardrail, neatly pushing the barrier in. But no, the guardrail isn’t crushed by the car, it’s running literally right through the thing. In the front, right down the center, and out the back.

A Rare Kind of Collision

According to the California Highway Patrol in Los Banos, where the crash took place on I-5, the driver “for unknown reasons” allowed his EV to veer off the road and through the road’s center divide where it crashed into the guardrail. The force of the collision pushed the rail through the Tesla’s nose and then its firewall, before it exited out the rear. Thank heavens no one was sitting in the center seat on the rear bench.

CHP Los Banos

The driver was saved by the conventional two-seat layout up front, but looking at the crumpled state of the rail that’s exited out the back, gives us an idea of the amount of energy that was involved in the collision, and how close they came to getting hurt or killed.

“Lucky for the driver he only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away,” Los Banos police said in a Facebook post. “Driving a vehicle requires 100% attention to the road. Avoid distractions and focus on driving.”

We don’t know why the driver left the road, but with so much Tesla ADAS technology at his disposal, it should never have happened in the first place. This time he was lucky, but you get the feeling he might have used up all nine lives at once on this incident.

Any investors praying Tesla’s awful sales performance in the first quarter of 2025 was merely a blip have just had their hopes dashed. The troubled automaker announced its Q2 numbers and they show an even bigger year-over-year decline than the ones covering January to March.

Also: A Model Y Drove 30 Minutes To Deliver Itself To Its New Owner

Global deliveries declined 14 percent in Q2, falling from 410,244 to 384,122, making the most recent quarter’s performance marginally worse than Q1’s. For that period Tesla recorded a 13 percent drop after sales sunk by 50,000 to 336,681 units.

Sales Still Centered on Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla didn’t offer a complete breakdown of its Q2 numbers by model or region, but it did reveal that the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for practically all of its sales. The automaker delivered 373,728 Model 3 and Y EVs, and only 10,394 of its other cars, which include the Model S, Model X and Cybertruck, combined. The electric automaker also said it produced over 410,000 vehicles of all types.

Although delivery figures aren’t exactly the same as sales numbers, they’re close enough to give us a solid idea of the problems faced by Tesla, and the buying public’s apathy for its cars. Those problems include widespread dislike of Tesla CEO Elon Musk due to his vocal right-wing opinions and association with DOGE and the Trump administration, which is one of the reasons sales have cratered in Europe in recent months.

TESLA Q2 SALES

Intensifying Competition in China and Beyond

And in China, a key market for Tesla, the American brand is battling against a slew of hi-tech rivals that seem intent on pushing prices downwards to the detriment of profitability. Some of those same Chinese rivals are also now causing Tesla problems in other markets. In April BYD sold more EVs than Tesla in Europe, where the Model Y and 3 are struggling to regain their sales form despite recent facelifts.

Although Tesla’s Q2 performance looks dire, the figures aren’t as bad as some analysts had feared. And Deepwater Asset Management’s Gene Munster predicted the quarter represented a bottoming out for Tesla, which could bounce back in future periods, CNBC reports. Tesla will announced its complete Q2 financial results on July 23.

For much of the past year, Tesla sales have been consistently dropping across major European markets. Unsurprisingly, this downward trend is continuing, although there has been some welcome reprieve for Tesla in a handful of markets thanks to the arrival of the heavily updated ‘Juniper’ Model Y.

The good news for Tesla starts in Norway. In June, Tesla sales jumped 54 percent in the country. The arrival of the new Model Y was a major boost, with registrations increasing 115.3 percent to 5,004 units. Similarly, Tesla sales rose by a considerable 60.7 percent in Spain to 2,632 units. This was also largely down to the new Model Y, with its sales rising 127.2 percent to 1,179 units. Sales in Portugal also rose 7.3 percent.

Read: Europe Keeps Buying More EVs Just Not From Tesla

Despite these strong-performing markets, there was a bloodbath in many other countries. In Sweden, things were particularly bad, with Tesla scoring a 64.4 percent decline last month compared to June 2024. As noted by Reuters, sales in Denmark have also collapsed by 61.6 percent. Despite the new Model Y now being available in Denmark, sales of Tesla’s best-selling model still dropped 31.2 percent to 1,155 units.

Other countries followed the same trend. In France, Tesla sales are down 10 percent, while in Italy, they fell by 66 percent.

Schmidt Automotive reports that Tesla has endured six year-on-year losses in quarterly new registration volumes across Western Europe, and is now staring down a seventh. Tesla’s share of the EV market shrank across the region to 7.2 percent in May, down from the 12.6 percent share it had in May 2024.

While Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no longer a special government employee under the Trump administration, it seems his involvement in politics is still having a major impact on European car shoppers. In addition, an ever-growing number of EVs from China are making their way to local shores, stealing market share from Tesla.

Tesla’s new Model Y only made its debut a few months ago, but faced with flagging sales and aggressive rivals, the automaker is already making changes to make it and the Model 3 more appealing to buyers – specifically Chinese buyers.

Long Range AWD versions of the facelifted Model Y and Model 3 sold in China now go further on a charge and are faster from stoplights thanks to minor tweaks announced this week. Without changing the size of the battery, Tesla now claims the Y can do 466 miles (750 km) on a single charge, up from 447 miles (719 km) under China’s CLTC testing cycle.

Related: A Model Y Drove 30 Minutes To Deliver Itself To Its New Owner

And the Model 3 enjoys an even bigger boost, gaining 25 miles (40 km) to take total claimed range to 468 miles (753 km), though these numbers are Chinese CLTC figures and not comparable with more honest EPA estimates. Tesla quotes 327 miles (526 km) for a US-spec Y LR AWD and 346 miles (557 km) for a Model 3.

The Model 3 is also much faster following Tesla’s spec adjustment, needing just 3.8 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h), rather than 4.4 seconds. It’s not clear how this was achieved, but Car News China speculates it could be because Tesla has made standard the Sports acceleration feature that was previously a ¥14,100 ($2,000) option.

The Model Y is far less speedy, requiring 4.3 seconds. Neither of those acceleration figures matches up with the numbers Tesla advertises in Europe, where the Model 3 claims a 4.4-second 0-62 mph time, but the Y is said to need 4.8 seconds.

The upgrades come at no extra cost on the Model Y, which stickers at ¥313,500 ($43,800), but they add ¥10,000 ($1,400) to the price of a Model 3 Long Range AWD, which is now ¥285,500 ($39,900). For context, the equivalent Model Y in the US is $2,310 cheaper than in China, though only when factoring in the $7,500 federal tax credit, while the Model 3 is just $90 more expensive.

It remains to be seen whether these upgrades will make their way to other markets. Tesla hasn’t confirmed any plans yet, but buyers in Europe and North America will likely be watching closely to see if the same range and performance improvements roll out beyond China.

Tesla

Even as the global car market continues to shift, one thing remains certain: Toyota knows how to move metal. After a brief detour in second place, the Toyota RAV4 is back on top as the world’s best-selling car, edging out the Tesla Model Y by a sliver.

And it’s not just the soon-to-be-replaced RAV4 doing the heavy lifting, as Toyota has managed to land five models in the global top ten, including the Corolla Cross, Corolla sedan, Hilux, and Camry.

More: New RAV4, See Every Angle And Hidden Detail

This ranking comes from industry analyst Felipe Munoz, who compiled a detailed snapshot of 2024’s global car sales by model. His methodology pulls from a wide mix of sources, including national statistics offices, dealership associations, customs data, specialized websites, blogs, other analysts, and informed estimates. According to Munoz, the ranking covers 153 markets, accounting for roughly 99% of all cars sold globally.

Toyota Retakes the Lead, Barely

Combined sales of the Toyota RAV4 and its China-market twin, the Wildlander, reached 1,187,000 units in 2024. That was just enough to slide past the Tesla Model Y, which landed at 1,185,000 units. It’s a narrow win, but a win nonetheless.

It’s important to note that both the RAV4 and Model Y were refreshed shortly after the period covered by this report. Toyota rolled out a full redesign for the RAV4, that hasn’t gone on sale yet while Tesla introduced its updated Model Y Juniper that’s already available.

That said, the Model Y still holds the title for best-selling EV worldwide by a comfortable margin. Its 2025 numbers, however, are already showing signs of slowing.

Compact Crossovers Keep Climbing

The Toyota Corolla Cross occupied the third place with 859,000 sales, benefiting from the fact it is offered in many different markets around the world. The compact crossover was closely followed by the Honda CR-V/Breeze SUV that sold 854,000 units.

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Toyota’s dominance continues with the Corolla / Levin Sedan (697,000 units) in the fifth place and the Toyota Hilux (617,000 units) in the sixth place.

World’s Best Selling Pickup

The aging Hilux is due for a new generation soon, but that didn’t stop it from becoming the world’s best-selling pickup. Despite not being sold in North America or China, two massive truck markets, it still managed to outpace all competitors. Right behind it in the global rankings is the Ford F-150, which sold 595,000 units and claimed seventh place overall. In the US, the F-150 was the second best-selling vehicle of 2024, coming in just behind the RAV4.

More: Cracks Are Beginning To Appear In China’s Largest EV Maker

Rounding out the top ten are three sedans that continue to hold their ground in a market that increasingly leans toward crossovers and SUVs. The Toyota Camry took eighth with 593,000 sales, followed by the Tesla Model 3 at 560,000 and the BYD Qin at 502,000. BYD’s entry marks the only Chinese brand on the list this year, underscoring the company’s steady rise as a global competitor in both EVs and internal combustion vehicles.

Tesla is no stranger to recalls in the United States, but more often than not, its vehicles can be fixed with a simple over-the-air software update. However, that’s not the case with their latest recall, which will require owners to return their cars to a store or service center to be fixed. Making things worse for Tesla is the fact that the recall is for the brand-new 2026 Model Y and Model 3.

A safety report reveals that one or more fasteners joining the seat back to the seat base may not have been torqued correctly during assembly. Owners of vehicles with the defect may now have a loose or rattling seat. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA and Tesla have determined this poses a safety risk in the event of a crash, prompting a recall.

Read: Tesla Starts 2025 With Recall For 240,000 EVs, Some May Need New Computers

Fortunately for Tesla, the recall only impacts 48 vehicles in the United States, of which just 2.1% are estimated to contain the defect. Cars being recalled include 30 Tesla Model Ys built between April 3, 2025, and May 7, 2025, as well as 18 Model 3s manufactured from Apr 3, 2025, to April 16, 2025.

The NHTSA recall reveals the fault could affect either the driver or front passenger seat, or both. Tesla became aware of an issue on May 12 after it received a customer complaint. It was quickly determined that 2 of the 4 fasteners used to secure the seat back to the seat bottom on the driver’s seat were completely missing.

Tesla claims to have pinpointed the root cause of the issue. It states that on April 2, 2025, a production change at the factory made it possible to manually advance the seat assembly from the backup manual assembly station without the system having to verify that the fasteners were present or torqued correctly.

Owners impacted by the recall will be notified on August 16. Dealers have been instructed to inspect the seat assemblies and, if necessary, replace any missing or incorrectly tightened fasteners.

Tesla has officially entered the deep waters of robotaxi service but is doing so in its own, distinctive way. The service is very limited as of this writing; it comes with a silent Tesla employee in every front passenger seat and consists of Model Ys that were secretly modified. It’s not exactly what you might think at first, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

Elon Musk has several times mentioned that the Model Ys in Robotaxi service are the same ones that everyday folks can buy. According to a new report, that’s not exactly true, and before anyone asks, no, it doesn’t appear that the Robotaxis have a brake built into the front passenger handle. What they do have is another set of safety measures, though.

More: Tesla’s Robotaxi Was Caught Making A Turn It Immediately Regretted

According to Business Insider, Tesla has a program called Halo that modifies these cars. Every autonomous car gets self-cleaning cameras and additional protection for the cameras to keep them from getting damaged. In addition, they have not one but two telecommunications units built into the car, each providing detailed GPS data and allows Tesla’s remote operators to control the car if needed. That said, it’s worth noting that these modifications aren’t all that odd.

Tesla’s system relies so heavily on camera clarity that keeping lenses safe, clean, and in perfect working order is paramount. In addition, the standard Model Y already comes with a telecommunications unit, so in this case, Tesla is simply doubling up, likely to increase redundancy should one become non-operational.

That's a wrap! In the last 36 hours, I've taken a total of 20 @Tesla Robotaxi rides and traveled 92 miles. No interventions, no critical safety issues. All my rides were smooth and comfortable.

Thank you, Tesla, for letting me be a part of this experience—and congrats to the… pic.twitter.com/VNpSUVMuz6

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 24, 2025

It’ll be interesting to see how the court of public opinion rules out on this one. Will it praise Musk for adding safety measures to the robotaxi program, or will it chastise him for not being 100 percent accurate when he said these cars were identical to the ones that the general public can buy?

Optics aside, does it really matter? What does is that people who take a ride in a Tesla Robotaxi can breathe a little easier knowing that the cars come with extra safety equipment built into them. And we wouldn’t be surprised if, at some point in the not-so-distant future, those features make it into Model Ys that we can actually purchase.

👀What an interesting interaction. A Waymo ended up in the wrong lane, and a Tesla Robotaxi handled it like a pro.

No headlines about this will likely be made by mainstream media, of course.pic.twitter.com/I1Qw2GsIFj

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 26, 2025

While some Democratic lawmakers urged Tesla to delay the rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, the program officially kicked off on Sunday. It’s believed that around 12 Tesla Model Y robotaxis have hit the city streets and are operating in a small, geofenced area. And while the vehicles are indeed driving themselves, the company is keeping a light foot on the accelerator when it comes to public exposure.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Comes With Strict Rules And A ‘Safety Monitor’

Videos from early users, mostly influencers, reveal that each Robotaxi comes with a “safety driver” seated in the passenger seat. Yes, the passenger seat. It’s not entirely clear why Tesla made that choice, except maybe to reinforce the optics of a driverless experience.

After all, someone behind the wheel would be a dead giveaway that the system still needs supervision. Putting them in the passenger seat keeps up appearance, technically driverless, but not totally.

Among the first people to use the service were vetted customers who received early-access invitations from Tesla. As reported by TechCrunch, many of these are strong supporters of the Tesla brand. Evidently, the electric car manufacturer doesn’t yet want the general public to experience the service, obviously aware that mistakes or hiccups with the service could instantly draw a lot of criticism.

A $4.20 Ride with a Side of Caution

Early rides are priced at a very on-brand $4.20 flat rate, and the service runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, unless bad weather rolls in. In that case, the robotaxis are grounded. Probably a wise move considering even humans struggle with Texas thunderstorms.

The service appears to operate in a very similar way to Waymo’s. Users need to download a specific Robotaxi app and can then order a ride. Once inside, the vehicle’s rear passenger display will display navigation details and the expected arrival time. Additionally, passengers can control the audio through the rear screen.  

For the most part, the system appears to perform quite well, navigating certain roads in South Austin with relative ease. However, one video shared to YouTube by a TechCrunch reporter shows a Model Y Robotaxi unnecessarily braking and coming to a stop twice, after passing several parked police cars at a nearby crime scene.

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