2025 Tesla Model Y production begins in China

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Mass production of the updated Tesla Model Y is now rolling out on a large scale at Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory.

Our orders due to start in China at the end of the month will be followed by Australian examples rolling off the same assembly lines and arriving on our shores by May.

The first examples were photographed in Tesla's new Glacier Blue colour scheme, which has a much softer tone than the outgoing Deep Blue Metallic.

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Cars made in China will have the 'T' logo on the front of their bonnets, even though pictures showing the car don't have one.

A Tesla spokesperson confirmed on Instagram that the lack of a front logo will only apply to the US and European markets, however in China, where front badges are apparently required by law.

Front badges aren't compulsory in Australia either, but it's uncertain if the new Model Ys will come with them, given they're made in China. The Australian version of Tesla's website shows the Model Y without a logo, whereas the Model 3 does have one, which suggests Aussie-delivered Model Ys will come without front badges.

The spokesperson said the move follows a new design direction for the brand, which is led by the Cybertruck. This new direction prioritises the recognisable shape of the Tesla logo, rather than any specific badges or emblems.

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The new model will have a 62.5kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack made by CATL, while the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive will use a 78.4kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, as per CarNewsChina.

We're aware that in Australia, the Rear-Wheel Drive will give you a WLTP cycle range of 466km, whereas the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive version will give you 551km, an increase of 18km on the previous model.

The starting price is $63,400, an increase of $7,500 from the base model, while the top-of-the-range price is $73,100, an increase of $3,500 from its predecessor.

Starting at $6,630, the prices of both cars are listed before on-road costs are taken into account.

In addition to the new design features, Tesla said the new Model Y has improved suspension, wheels and tyres for a smoother drive. Acoustic glass and better soundproofing are also said to reduce road noise.

Inside, the Model Y's central information screen has expanded to 15.4-inches, with an extra eight-inch touchscreen now available for backseat passengers. A new steering wheel has been introduced, and the gear selector has been relocated to the central screen.

A plug in the bonnet also enables it to be used as an esky.

We can expect more information about the new Model Y's powertrain in the lead-up to its first deliveries in May.