Tesla Launches New Model Y+ With 510 Miles of Range

Tesla’s Model Y has long been a global favorite and now, it’s going further than ever before. The automaker just launched the Model Y+ in China, a new long-range variant with an astonishing 510 miles (821 km) of range on the CLTC standard(China light-duty vehicle test cycle).

This extended-range version marks a new era for Tesla’s mid-size SUV. It’s powered by LG Energy Solution’s 78.4-kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, a chemistry optimized for energy density and efficiency. The same pack is also found in the recently unveiled long-range Model 3, which clocks in at 363 miles (580 km) of range. Together, these launches point to a clear shift in Tesla’s battery strategy, one that blends LG’s advanced cell tech with Tesla’s increasingly refined drivetrain efficiency.

Starting at roughly $40,500 USD (RMB 288,500), the rear-wheel-drive Model Y+ slots neatly between affordability and long-distance practicality. For context, that’s a lower starting price than most Western buyers pay for a Model Y Long Range yet it offers nearly 100 miles more range. It’s a strong statement aimed squarely at China’s domestic automakers, where range and value are key battlegrounds.

Tesla’s timing is no coincidence. The company’s Chinese sales recently dipped to their lowest level since late 2022, falling out of the country’s top 10 list for new energy vehicle (NEV) sales. Meanwhile, domestic brands like BYD, Li Auto, and XPeng continue to post record-breaking months. The Model Y+ may be Tesla’s counterpunch, a way to remind buyers that when it comes to range and reliability, Tesla still leads.

Early signals suggest it’s working. Reports from Chinese media describe renewed excitement at Tesla stores, with delivery timelines doubling from 2–4 weeks to 4–6 weeks within hours of launch. That kind of instant traction hints at a resurgence of interest especially among buyers who value long-range confidence for road trips and less frequent charging stops.

This launch also underlines a broader trend: battery diversification. While Tesla still produces its own 4680 cells in the U.S., the decision to lean on LG’s high-capacity packs for the Chinese market shows the company’s flexibility. It’s not about one perfect battery formula, but rather finding the right chemistry for the right market.

If the Model Y+ performs as expected, we could see a global rollout of similar high-efficiency variants. The implications are huge, imagine a future Model Y in North America comfortably clearing 400 miles per charge.

Ultimately, the Model Y+ represents more than a simple spec bump. It signals Tesla’s next strategic phase: a focus on incremental gains that deliver real-world benefits. Range anxiety remains one of the biggest psychological hurdles for EV adoption, and Tesla continues to chip away at it with each iteration.

For drivers, it means fewer charging stops, more flexibility, and a sense of freedom that pushes EV ownership closer to traditional gas-powered convenience without the emissions or maintenance headaches.

Source: Electrek