History of Tesla Model Y in Timeline

The Tesla Model Y, an electric compact crossover SUV produced since 2020, is Tesla's fifth production model. It has become the best-selling electric vehicle globally, with over 2.16 million units sold. This vehicle represents a significant achievement for Tesla 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, allowing customers in China to place orders for the upcoming made-in-China Model Y.

January 1, 2021: Tesla Model Y Sells Out in China

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 Model Y was made in China.

2021: Model Y vehicles under investigation

In September 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a safety investigation into over 174,000 Model Y vehicles made in 2021 over reports of being unable to open the doors after exiting the car, leading to potential entrapment.

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 models imported from Gigafactory Shanghai.

August 2022: Model Y Deliveries Commence in Australia

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

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

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 due to its price falling below $55,000.

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 Y for Canada

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

October 2023: Tesla Reintroduces Standard Range RWD Model Y

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 Model Y was the best-selling car worldwide.

March 2024: Model Y Named a Consumer Reports Top Pick

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

May 2024: Tesla Discontinues Standard Range RWD Model Y, Replaced by Long Range RWD

In May 2024, Tesla discontinued the Standard Range RWD Model Y and replaced it with a Long Range RWD model. The Standard Range RWD models built in 2023 and early 2024 were revealed to be software-locked versions of the Long Range RWD model.

June 2024: Model Y Eligible for Government Use in Jiangsu Province, China

In June 2024, the Jiangsu province government listed the Model Y as 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 imported from China.

September 2025: NHTSA Investigates Model Y Door Handles

2025: Australian Luxury Car Tax Threshold for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

In 2025, the Australian Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles was set at $91,387, influencing the pricing strategy for the Model Y Performance.

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

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

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

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