Chinese government approves Tesla Model Y for official use
The Tesla Model Y rear-wheel-drive has been listed as a green vehicle approved for official government purchase and use for 2024 to 2025 on the Jiangsu Provincial Government Procurement website. The vehicle has been classified as “Chinese-made” and the price listed is 249,900 yuan (US$34,250). When a provincial government official confirmed the model’s presence on the list, they stated that there were no relevant documents prohibiting its inclusion:
“As long as an automaker meets certain requirements for pricing and configuration, it can be included.”
While the trade war between the United States and China rages on, it seemed highly unlikely that American-born Tesla would even be considered for approval for government use, let alone actually make the list, and with a high rating to boot.
China rethinks “security risk” bans on Teslas
In recent years, Chinese authorities have restricted the use of Tesla vehicles for official purposes, citing security risks. The first instance was during a top-secret Communist Party summer conference in the coastal town of Beidaihe. Then authorities in Wuhan, Beijing, and Zhejiang followed suit. The Chinese were most likely suspicious of the Tesla’s advanced technology and perhaps imagined some form of spyware had been installed. However, their fears have been laid to rest.
New Tesla Model Y is due in 2025
2024 was a remarkable year for Tesla: among several new vehicle launches, the long-range versions of the Model 3 and Model Y were released and the Model Y also leveled up with a seven-seat option. Fresh on the heels of China approving the current Model Y is the impending release of the upgraded model in early 2025.
The new Model Y has received the same revamp as the Model 3, namely a fresh aesthetic and upgraded cabin with new materials, and buttons and touchscreen controls instead of a gear selector and indicators. The slim headlights of the Model 3 and the minimalist bumper are also carried over to the Y. However, leaked sources say the Model Y will have a feature that the 3 does not: an original rear light bar.
Long-range Model 3 and Model Y hit the roads
In 2024, the Model 3 and Model Y leveled up in terms of range and efficiency. The fresh Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive will take drivers 436 miles after a charge, which is 120 miles more than its previous incarnation. The Model Y SUV now offers drivers 100 miles more at 373 miles on a charge.
Model Y will now seat 7
The new Model Y has a three-row, seven-seater option, making it comparable to the Mercedes Benz EQB. A downside is losing a sizeable chunk of trunk space to accommodate the extra seats in underfloor storage, but there’s still a functional trunk volume to work with when the seats are stowed. When factoring in the extra charge for extra passenger capacity, the Model Y overtakes the EQB in price.
Tesla’s next big deal: The Cybercab
Tesla has outdone itself with the Cybercab, a self-driving “taxi” that doesn’t even feature controls even if you wanted them. Due to hit showroom floors in 2026, the “car” has just two seats and a maxi screen, which is purportedly just for “entertainment.”
Of course, it’s going to cost a whack of money and be super exclusive, and only private buyers in a limited number of identified cities will be able to own one. But there will be rental options for those who aren’t in a position to purchase.
Elon Musk and his team continue to exceed expectations even if some projects are more “miss” than “hit” under their aim-for-the-stars outlook, and 2025 is shaping up to be another epic year for Tesla.