Tesla recently tested a heavily disguised Model Y in China, and this has caused speculations and discussions among car enthusiasts and specialists. Sighting that occurred near the Gigafactory Shanghai indicates speculations of an upcoming revision of the electric SUV, or a completely different version of it, could be on the horizon.
This is quite contrary to what is usually expected from Tesla, as the prototype was fully camouflaged. This is the latest in the sequence of events signifying Tesla’s rising interest towards the Chinese market, which has been accelerating competition from domestic EV brands.
Among the obvious signs of Tesla’s market domination is that the Model Y noted the highest New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales in March 2025, with 48,189 units sold in China. This figure not only supports the argument of high demand for the Model Y in China, but also puts Tesla head to head with locals such as BYD and Li Auto.
What Could It Be?
Such a move has brought three major discussions among Tesla enthusiasts: a cheaper standard variant, an improved Performance model, and the widely predicted Super Long Range Model Y.
A covered prototype of the new Tesla Model Y has been spotted in China!
Could it be the more affordable version, the Performance, or the rumored Super Long Range? pic.twitter.com/KRoJxaUqt1
— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) April 16, 2025
Affordable Model Y
Elon Musk has mentioned on several occasions how he is keen on expanding the affordability of electric vehicles as a basic means of transportation. Currently, with constant technology enhancement in batteries and variations in cost production factors at Gigafactory Shanghai, it is quite logical to release a cheaper model Y. This is because the Chinese consumers are sensitive to product pricing; a car within this segment will enable Tesla to fight off rising competition from BYD, XPeng, and NIO.
Tesla recently introduced in the United States the new edition of Model Y, which is less expensive than the previous version, called the “Juniper”. This latest model is the first non-Launch Series offering of the Long Range AWD in the United States; the price of the new model is $48,990 before federal incentives.
Tesla Launches More Affordable Model Y Juniper Trim in the US
Performance Refresh Incoming
Another opinion that has received some support is that maybe this is just an updated model of the Performance model. The current Model Y Performance has already been on the market for a few years, and there have been no significant changes in its design. With possible changes in aerodynamics, enhanced lighting, and interiors, a facelifted model can attract great attention from performance enthusiasts.
The latest covered Model Y Performance prototype revealed several updates, and one of them is the newly designed Pirelli P Zero E tires. These ultra-low rolling resistance tyres are primarily made for economical, high-performance electric cars and deliver safe and sporty handling, which is Tesla’s philosophy.
The Super Long Range Variant
The most intriguing possibility? A Super Long Range version. Talks on a range of a new Model Y with such battery chemistry have arisen since the first half of 2023, mostly focusing on new battery chemistry that could help the electric automobile boast more than 700 km (435 miles) of range, which is already available for its competitor, BYD. Doing so would place Tesla again as having the highest range, depending on the class, which is crucial in the Chinese market where consumers are highly sensitive to range.
What We Know So Far
It is pertinent to mention that Tesla has not released any details regarding updates or new models of the Model Y for the Chinese market yet. However, the firm is rather inclined to have a low profile at launching its designs, particularly those that originate from its manufacturing plant in Shanghai, which has emerged as a strategic center for both domestic and overseas production. The fact that there is this camouflaged prototype is as clear an indication as any that something new is brewing.
This is not the first time that such a secret operation has surrounded the investment of Tesla in China. A few months ago, two new-generation Teslas were caught, albeit briefly, lurking in the background of the Tesla commercial video of the present Model Y, increasing speculations about the company’s next step. Tesla did not explain these cars, however, the timing and signs indicate that these could very well be early prototypes of improved or entirely new derivatives.
