Tesla China Ends Q3 with Record-Breaking Week as Model Y L Gains Momentum

Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.
Tesla has wrapped up the final week of the third quarter in China with its most successful performance yet, driven largely by the newly launched Model Y L. The company recorded 19,300 insurance registrations from September 22 to 28, marking an 11.56% increase from the previous week and highlighting a significant uptick in demand in the world's largest electric vehicle market.
Central to Tesla's recent success in China is the Model Y L, a six-seat variant of the popular SUV that was launched in August and began deliveries in early September. The Model Y L accounts for nearly 20% of Tesla's total registrations, with about 4,000 units registered last week alone. Designed with families in mind, the Model Y L offers an extended wheelbase, making it an attractive option for those needing more passenger space than the standard model. As demand continues to rise, Tesla's website now lists November as the earliest delivery date for new orders, indicating a strong market reception.
Despite ending the quarter on a high note, Tesla China still faces challenges in matching its performance from the previous year. Overall, Q3 registrations were down 8.7% compared to 2024, but the recent growth in demand suggests a potential rebound. Over the course of the third quarter, the registrations increased by 26.9% from the second quarter, marking a positive trend as the company heads into Q4. The final week's performance ranks as Tesla's third-best week of 2025, indicating that the company is regaining its footing in the competitive Chinese market.
Tesla's momentum in China is crucial as it aims to close the gap on year-to-date performance, which is currently down 6.4% compared to the previous year. The company is optimistic about the upcoming quarter, especially with the Model Y L gaining traction and the production at Giga Shanghai optimized for this new variant. Analysts believe this momentum could propel Tesla's market position further, particularly as the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings tailored to the regional market demands.
The recent surge in Tesla's performance in China comes at a time when the company is striving to maintain its global dominance in the electric vehicle sector. The growth is not just limited to vehicle sales, as Tesla's energy storage business is also expanding rapidly. With increased adoption of battery storage by utilities and data centers, Tesla is well-positioned to benefit from the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions. This diversification into energy storage is seen as a significant contributor to Tesla's future earnings and a strategic move to stabilize its revenue streams beyond automotive sales.
Tesla's ambitious targets have always been a subject of interest and speculation in the financial markets. Analysts from Canaccord Genuity recently raised their price target for Tesla's stock to $490, citing strong delivery volumes and the potential of new vehicle launches to sustain sales momentum globally, even as U.S. tax credits phase out. This confidence is bolstered by Tesla's advancements in autonomous driving and its strategic positioning in the energy sector, highlighting the multifaceted approach Tesla is taking to drive growth and shareholder value.
As Tesla navigates the complexities of the global market, its focus on innovation and market-specific strategies continues to be its hallmark. The success of the Model Y L in China exemplifies Tesla's ability to adapt and meet the unique demands of different markets. With a robust pipeline of new models and technological advancements, Tesla is poised for continued growth. The company's strategic initiatives, including expansion into energy storage and autonomous driving, are expected to play pivotal roles in its long-term success, making it an attractive proposition for investors and consumers alike.

About Priya Nair
Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.