Tesla launches Model Y L in Japan, expanding availability to 11 markets
Like in all other markets, Tesla is offering the Model Y L in Japan in a single ‘Premium’ grade and a dual-motor AWD configuration. The company has set its price at 7.59 million yen (approx. €41,200 euros), including a 100,000 yen (€543 euros) registration processing fee.The Model Y L is eligible for Japan’s Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) subsidy of 1.27 million yen, which effectively reduces the price to 6.32 million yen (approx. €34,300 euros). Tokyo residents are eligible for an additional subsidy ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 yen (approx. €2,200-€4,300 euros), depending on eligibility, and that could further lower the price to somewhere between 5.52 and5.92 million yen (approx. €30,000-€32,100 euros).Tesla plans to start deliveries of the Model Y L in Japan by the end of April. The company will provide free Supercharging for three years to customers taking deliveries by June. It operates 726 Superchargers across 146 locations nationwide.The Model Y L is a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y and accommodates six occupants instead of five, in a more comfort-oriented 2+2+2 seating layout. The front seats offer power adjustment, heating and ventilation functions, while the second-row seats feature retractable armrests, offer a heating function, and are electrically foldable.In the third row, there’s a 50:50-split seat, and passengers here get amenities such as C-pillar- mounted AC vents, USB Type-C ports, and cupholders. The second- and third-row seats can be folded from the cargo area as well, and with all the rear seats down, there’s 2,539 litres of luggage space in the cabin – 401 litres more than in the normal five-seat Model Y. The frunk capacity is the same – 116 litres.The Model Y L features an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers for enhanced comfort. A Cosmic Silver paint option, 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels, and an upgraded sound system with 18 speakers and a subwoofer are also exclusive to the three-row model. The six-seat EV accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.0 seconds, achieves a top speed of 201 kph, and delivers a range of 788 kilometres, as per WLTC.Tesla is seeing a spike in demand for its cars in Japan. According to a recent report from Nikkei, the company sold 10,600 units last year, recording a 90 per cent year-on-year growth. Speaking to Reuters earlier last week, Richi Hashimoto, who heads the company’s Japan operations, suggested that this year the company sold around 5,000 cars in the first quarter alone.Hashimoto said that Tesla operates 35 sales outlets and 14 service centres in Japan and plans to expand the latter to around 30 locations. The American EV maker aims to become the leading imported car brand in the country by early 2027.Tesla introduced the Model Y L in August last year and was initially selling it only in China. Since last month, the company has expanded its availability to nearly all its Asia-Pacific markets, excluding India and Taiwan. In addition to Japan, it now offers the three-row EV in Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.x.com, tesla.com, nikkei.com, reuters.com
