Tesla Boosts Range in China, but Local EV Brands Are Winning the Race

Tesla recently gave two of its most popular EVs in China a small range boost, without touching the battery. The updated figures show up to 25 more miles of claimed range using the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle). It sounds like a win. But in the fast-moving Chinese EV market, it might be too little, too late.

What's New?

• Model 3 Long Range AWD now claims 467 miles (753 km) of range, up from 442 miles.
  

• Comes with a $1,400 price hike, now just under $40,000 USD in China.
  

• Model Y Long Range AWD now boasts 471 miles (750 km), up from 447 miles.
  

• No price change - still around $43,700 USD.

Despite the improvements, Tesla didn’t change the battery itself. The gains come from software tweaks and efficiency updates, not hardware.

But Here's the Problem…

Tesla is losing momentum in China, and fast. Even with better range, local buyers are flocking to domestic EV brands that offer:

• Lower prices
  

• Faster charging speeds (some hit 1 megawatt - 4x faster than Tesla)
  

• More luxurious interiors
  

• AI-powered features and driver-assist tech
  
  

Take the Xiaomi YU7 for example - a new EV that’s already racked up 200,000 pre-orders and has delivery wait times of over a year. That’s despite Tesla offering near-instant delivery in comparison.

Why Are Buyers Jumping Ship?

It’s not about politics or Elon Musk’s controversies, at least not in China. Chinese buyers care about value, innovation, and features that suit local tastes. And right now, Tesla isn't keeping up.

Even though the Model Y still drives better than most rivals, and Tesla’s minimalist design once stood out, it no longer feels special. Chinese EVs have caught up, and in some ways, surpassed Tesla in tech, speed, and style.

Tesla vs. Local Competition

Here’s a quick head-to-head between Tesla and its rising rivals:

Tesla still wins in driving dynamics and Supercharger access, but that might not be enough to sway the market anymore.

Bottom Line:

Tesla’s range bump in China is a smart update, but it may not solve the bigger issue. With Chinese EV brands innovating faster and connecting better with local buyers, Tesla needs more than software tweaks to stay competitive in the world's largest EV market.