Key Points
- Tesla has fitted the Model Y L in China with a new TL2 front motor rated at 176kW, up 34kW on the previous 142kW unit.
- Official CLTC range rises from 751km to 776km, which Zecar estimates is about 704km on the WLTP cycle used in Australia.
- Tesla Australia has not announced the update, but the Australian Model Y L is built in Shanghai and is mechanically the same as the original Chinese car, so the change is likely to follow.
Tesla has quietly updated the Model Y L without a public announcement. The six-seat, long-wheelbase SUV now uses a new TL2 front motor rated at 176kW, up from 142kW. Its official range rises to 776km on China's CLTC test cycle, 25km more than before.
The upgraded Model Y L is now shown on Tesla China's online configurator. It appeared there on 1 October 2026, the first day of China's National Day holiday. The price is unchanged at 339,000 yuan. Tesla Australia has not announced the change. However, the Model Y L sold here since May is mechanically the same as the original Chinese version, which makes it likely the upgrade will follow.
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What changes on the Model Y L
Tesla's filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) list the changes. Chinese outlet Sina first reported the filing in August 2026. Drive Tesla Canada and EVSHIFT have since reported the same figures, and they now appear on Tesla China's configurator.
Tesla Model Y L (China): before and after
Specification | Previous Model Y L | Updated Model Y L |
Front motor | 3D3, 142kW | TL2, 176kW |
Rear motor | 198kW | 198kW (unchanged) |
Range (CLTC) | 751km | 776km |
Energy consumption | 12.8kWh/100km | 12.4kWh/100km |
Kerb weight | 2088kg | 2088kg |
Starting price (China) | 339,000 yuan | 339,000 yuan |
The front motor gains 34kW, yet energy consumption drops by 0.4kWh/100km. Kerb weight does not change. Outlets that analysed the filing say this points to efficiency gains, including the new motor, rather than a bigger battery. Tesla has not confirmed the battery capacity.
The new motor, TL2, is not new to Tesla's line-up. Chinese outlet Diandong Neican reports it is the same motor used in the new Model Y Performance, which launched in China about 20 days earlier.
What 776km CLTC means in WLTP terms
China's CLTC test cycle produces much higher range figures than the WLTP cycle used in Australia. To give Australian buyers a comparable number, Zecar has converted the new CLTC rating to a WLTP equivalent.
The previous Model Y L was rated at 751km CLTC in China and 681km WLTP in Australia. Applying the same ratio to the new 776km CLTC figure gives about 704km WLTP, a gain of roughly 23km.
Tesla Model Y L range: CLTC vs WLTP
Test cycle | Previous Model Y L | Updated Model Y L |
CLTC (China) | 751km (official) | 776km (official) |
WLTP (Australia) | 681km (official) | About 704km (Zecar estimate) |
Real-world range will be lower than both figures, particularly at motorway speeds and in cold weather.
Will the upgrade come to Australia?
Tesla Australia has not announced the TL2 motor for the local Model Y L. We expect iit to follow, for two reasons.
- Same factory: Australian Model Y L vehicles are built at Tesla's Shanghai factory, on the same line as the Chinese cars.
- Same car: the first Model Y L delivered in Australia is mechanically the same as the original Chinese version. Both are listed at 2088kg.
Tesla typically phases new parts into production as older stock runs out, rather than at a single changeover date. Timing for Australia is not confirmed.
The Australian Model Y L is sold in one Premium AWD grade, priced from $74,900 before on-road costs. It is rated at 681km WLTP. Deliveries began in May 2026, making Australia the first export market for the Model Y L outside China.
If the TL2 motor arrives, Tesla would need to publish a new WLTP figure for the local car. Australian pricing for an updated version is not confirmed. Buyers with an order in place can ask their Tesla advisor to confirm the motor specification once a VIN is assigned.
In Europe, the Model Y L was spotted testing in Germany in July and is reported to already hold European type approval. It is not known whether European cars will get the TL2 motor from launch.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
