Tesla CEO Elon Musk has indicated that the new Model YL vehicle is unlikely to be released for sale in the United States. Musk made this statement while interacting with followers on the social media platform X.
On August 20, an X-blogger named WholeMarsBlog raised concerns about Elon Musk`s silence regarding the launch of the new Tesla Model YL crossover in China. This vehicle boasts three rows of seating, accommodating six passengers, and an extended range of up to 750 kilometers. In response, Musk affirmed that the Model YL would likely remain an exclusive model for the Chinese market and a few others.
The billionaire stated that production of this Model Y version in the U.S. would not commence before the end of next year. Musk further suggested that the crossover might never be introduced to the American market. He clarified that this decision is linked to the advancement of self-driving vehicles in America, implying that the need for a new physical model might diminish. Tesla CEO`s remarks sparked considerable discontent among X users.
Specialized media outlet Electrek criticized Elon Musk for this stance. In their view, a six-seater vehicle with an extended range, like the Model YL, could prove highly popular in the U.S. market. The journalists highlighted that for the past six years, Musk has consistently predicted the imminent arrival of fully autonomous vehicles in America, yet these forecasts have repeatedly failed to materialize.
“For the sake of Tesla, Musk should step down from the company. It`s a shame that shareholders either don`t understand this or are too preoccupied with the corporation`s short-term stock growth,” concluded Electrek`s authors.
In late August, Tesla began offering traditional turn signal stalks for the Model 3 in China at a price of 2,499 yuan (approximately 28,000 rubles). Since 2023, the turn signal function in this model has been controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.
Rupert Blackwood 
Barnaby Whitfield