Tesla Model Y Long-Wheelbase Spotted at Texas Factory, Likely Pre-Production Testing for U.S. Market

Recently, drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer captured footage outside Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory showing a wooden crate containing a large vehicle body structure wrapped in blue plastic, surrounded by construction materials. Multiple analyses suggest this body is very likely the long-wheelbase version of the Model Y (Model Y L), which has already launched in China. As Tesla’s only true three-row SUV currently, the Model Y L fills the product gap in the six-seat market left by the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X. Although Elon Musk stated in August 2023 that the vehicle would not enter U.S. production until at least late 2026—and might never launch in the U.S. due to factors related to Full Self-Driving (FSD)—its recent appearance may indicate that preliminary testing has already begun. Tesla has not yet provided official confirmation or a specific timeline.