History of Tesla Model Y in Timeline

The Tesla Model Y is an electric compact crossover SUV manufactured by Tesla, Inc., beginning in 2020. Unveiled in March 2019, it is Tesla's fifth production model. Notably, the Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle globally, with over 2.16 million units sold worldwide, establishing its significant presence in the electric vehicle market.

June 5, 2020: Tesla Launches Model Y Online Design Studio in China

On June 5, 2020, Tesla launched the Model Y online design studio for the Chinese market, enabling customers in China to place orders for the upcoming made-in-China Model Y.

January 1, 2021: Model Y Sales Begin in China, Q1 2021 Production Sold Out

On January 1, 2021, Tesla started selling the Model Y in China and sold out its planned production for Q1 2021 within 6 days.

January 18, 2021: First Delivery of Made-in-China Model Y in China

On January 18, 2021, the first delivery of the made-in-China Tesla Model Y was made.

2021: Model Y Vehicles Under Investigation Were Manufactured

In September 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a safety investigation into Model Y vehicles manufactured in 2021, due to concerns about door handles.

June 2022: Model Y Orders Open in Australia

In June 2022, orders for the Model Y opened in Australia with the initial lineup consisting of the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Performance AWD imported from Gigafactory Shanghai.

August 2022: Model Y Deliveries Commence in Australia

In August 2022, deliveries of the Tesla Model Y commenced in Australia.

January 12, 2023: Tesla Announces Model Y and Model 3 Price Reduction

On January 12, 2023, Tesla announced a significant price reduction for the Model Y and Model 3, making the Model Y Long Range eligible for the federal tax credit of $7,500 under the Inflation Reduction Act.

April 4, 2023: Long Range AWD Configuration Added in Australia

On April 4, 2023, the Long Range AWD configuration was added to the Model Y lineup in Australia.

April 2023: Tesla Begins Producing Made-in-China Model Ys for Canada

In April 2023, Tesla began producing made-in-China Model Y vehicles for sale in Canada, freeing up US-manufactured vehicles for sale in the US to qualify for the US federal tax credit.

October 2023: Tesla Reintroduces Standard Range RWD Model

In October 2023, Tesla reintroduced the Standard Range RWD Model Y to the US market.

2023: Model Y Best Selling Car Worldwide in 2023

In 2023, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car worldwide.

March 2024: Model Y Named One of Consumer Reports' Best Cars of the Year

In March 2024, Consumer Reports named the 2024 Model Y to its "Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024" list, making it the only electric car on the list.

May 2024: Standard Range RWD Model Replaced by Long Range RWD Model

In May 2024, Tesla discontinued the Standard Range RWD Model Y and replaced it with a Long Range RWD model. It was revealed that 2023 and early 2024 Standard Range RWD models were the same as the new Long Range RWD model but had a software lock limiting the range to 260 miles. Owners might be able to pay a fee to unlock the full range.

June 2024: Model Y Eligible for Government Purchase in Jiangsu Province

In June 2024, the Jiangsu province government listed the Model Y as being eligible for purchase for government use, marking the first time a Tesla car entered China's official vehicle procurement catalog.

July 15, 2025: Tesla Launches Model Y in India

On July 15, 2025, Tesla launched the Model Y in India, with units being imported from China.

September 2025: NHTSA Investigates Model Y Door Handles

In September 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a safety investigation into over 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles made in 2021 due to reports of door handles being unable to open after exiting the car, sometimes entrapping children.

2025: Luxury Car Tax Threshold Set for 2025-26 Financial Year

In 2025, the Australian Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles was set at $91,387 for the 2025–26 financial year.

2026: 2026 Model Y Performance Priced to Avoid Luxury Car Tax in Australia

In 2026, the 2026 Model Y Performance was priced at $89,400 (before on-road costs) to stay below the Australian Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.

January 1, 2027: Tesla Faces Deadline to Change Hidden Car Handle Design in China

Tesla has until January 1, 2027, to change the design of its hidden car handles on the Model Y if they want to continue selling cars in China, due to safety concerns. Other countries are investigating similar bans.