by Elon Musk on Model YL Production in the US
Elon Musk has finally commented on an issue that has been on many people’s minds: whether the extended version of the Model Y, known as the Model YL, will appear on the American market. This model recently debuted in China, and now information has emerged regarding its possible release in the US—most likely next year.
Popularity of the Model Y and Demand for a Six-Seat Version
The Model Y is Tesla’s most popular car and one of the best-selling in the world across all brands. Therefore, many fans are awaiting a six-seat version with two captain’s chairs in the second row. It would seem that releasing such a model in the US is an obvious step, but Musk expressed doubts due to the development of autonomous driving.
The Impact of Autonomous Driving on Tesla’s Plans
Musk noted that full-scale autonomous driving (Level 5) could make the Model YL unnecessary. Although he has repeatedly promised rapid progress in this area, reality has so far lagged behind expectations. In response to a question on the X platform, he said:
This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.
Current Status of Robotaxi and Practical Questions
Tesla’s Robotaxi program is rolling out quickly, but for now, each such car has a company employee for safety. The question arises: even with autonomous driving, will there still be demand for three-row SUVs for large families? Musk did not give a clear answer to this, only indicating that production of the Model YL in the US could begin at the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Credit: Tesla
Despite optimistic forecasts for autonomous technologies, many families still prefer conventional cars with extra space. The speed of Robotaxi deployment and their practicality remain subjects of debate, and for now, it is important to consider the needs of consumers who may not be fully satisfied with autonomous services.
