New Tesla Model Y spotted in China reveals fresh details

Last week, reports suggested that trial production of the upcoming refreshed 2025 Tesla Model Y had begun in Shanghai. Just days later, the first batch of the new model have been spotted, revealing key new details.

The first of two sightings was of multiple Model Y on the back of a transporter truck in Shanghai. One photo shows a black Model Y with the front and rear covered. 

This photo shows the passenger seat being similar to the current Model 3, which was refreshed over 12 months ago. 

Mr li shared this on X before being re-shared by Tesla Newswire, and soon after, another truck was spotted with multiple covered Model Y vehicles being driven away from Tesla’s Shanghai factory.

The next group of photos reveal new key details about the upcoming version of the world’s best-selling car.

A black Model Y was spotted being tested on the road, and engineers were seen sitting in the passenger seat with a laptop. 

From the front, there is a lightbar that could run along the car’s width, which is not yet found on the current Model Y.

If Tesla were to incorporate a light bar, then it would be similar to the Cybertruck and the recently unveiled Robotaxi, also known as the Cybercab.

Still looking at the front, the headlights have been moved lower and now sit underneath the light bar.

On the covered rear, when brakes are applied, there is a red glow that confirms the use of a rear lightbar, which is similar to the Cybercab.

This rear lightbar was also seen in some leaked photos earlier this year and will likely be incorporated in the 2025 Tesla Model Y.

Image: abomb1997 via reddit

The refreshed Model Y will form part of multiple new product reveals in 2025. These include the promise of more affordable models, which Tesla’s latest report confirmed will be in the first half of 2025.

On top of that, there is a high expectation that Tesla will also reveal the long-awaited Roadster, which is bound to showcase the limits of electric performance vehicles.

The refreshed Model Y is expected to go into early volume production on this side of Christmas, with official reveal and deliveries likely in early Q1 2025.

Logistics giant takes delivery of first Tesla Semi, with impressive 1 kWh/km consumption

Logistics giant takes delivery of its first Tesla Semi and, after being impressed by trial…

1 hour

Lower priced Tesla Model Y variant offered in key right hand drive market, Australia may be next

Tesla launches its cheapest Model Y in the UK, potentially hinting to broader availability of…

19 hours

BYD’s Denza D9 electric people mover approved for sale in Australia

BYD's premium brand, Denza, gets its first electric offering approved for sale in Australia, hinting…

19 hours

EV sales are growing in Australia, thanks to BYD, Kia and Chinese newcomers

EV sales in Australia are up 10 per cent in 2025 over last year, as…

2 days

Renault 5 E-Tech takes Europe by storm, but is not heading to Australia anytime soon

The R5 E-Tech has reached number one in the European electric light and small car…

2 days

Engineering students test their skills with open-wheeler electric racing cars

Engineering students in Australia put their skills to the test by building mostly electric open…

2 days