Tesla\u2019s new Model Y L might not come to the U.S., CEO Elon Musk said this morning.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a missed opportunity, and I\u2019m not the only one who feels this way.<\/p>\n
In the past, I have personally written a handful of articles<\/a> about what Tesla owners have been wanting in the United States: a full-sized SUV, or at least a vehicle that is larger than the Model Y but less of a crossover than the Model X.<\/p>\n Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The only thing that Tesla has announced that even slightly matches this sort of idea is the Robovan<\/a>, which is, optimistically, several years off because it lacks a steering wheel and pedals and will require Full Self-Driving to be fully autonomous.<\/p>\n Even if Tesla launches FSD next year, it will take a year or two to figure out manufacturing, go through regulatory hurdles with the EPA, and eventually enter mass production for customers.<\/p>\n The Model Y L has a variety of big changes that would be advantageous for the U.S. market, including a longer wheelbase, more comfortable seats, a third row that appears to be more spacious than Tesla\u2019s six-seat Model Y that it previously offered, B-Pillar vents for rear passengers, and more.<\/p>\n However, Musk said it won\u2019t come to the U.S. until next year<\/a>, and that it \u201cmight not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.\u201d<\/p>\n This variant of the Model Y doesn\u2019t start production in the US until the end of next year.<\/p>\n Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.<\/p>\n \u2014 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To be blunt, I\u2019m not sure if I truly believe that Musk thinks the Model Y L won\u2019t come to the U.S. Some believe he said this to not Osborne Effect Model Y sales here, which seems more likely than anything.<\/p>\n Tesla Model Y L gets disappointingly far production date in the United States<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n People have been buying the Model Y for two years more than any other car in the world. To act as if many families would not appreciate the extra space seems very strange; a big complaint with the Model Y is that it simply does not fit larger families.<\/p>\n If you have four kids, you\u2019re forced into the Model X, which might be too expensive for some families, as it starts at $79,990.<\/p>\n While Tesla\u2019s focus is undoubtedly on autonomy<\/a>, it is important to remember that\u00a0some people still really enjoy the act of driving their cars. Tesla has worked very hard to create a fun and sporty driving experience, especially in the new Model Y. Many consumers, including myself, like to take advantage of that.<\/p>\n Autonomy might eventually take over human driving completely, but in the near term, it does not seem as if that is the case. Even if someone were interested in never driving again, this longer and more spacious Model Y L would be an ideal option for American families that need the room for at least six passengers.<\/p>\n Quite a few big names in the Tesla community share this sentiment:<\/p>\n I\u2019m a little surprised by this.<\/p>\n I think the Model Y L would sell extremely well in North America, even with the advent of self-driving. Americans love their larger SUVs. Bigger families here want the Model Y L. There is a need in North America for larger all-electric SUVs at a\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/v7D1IpCnET<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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