Record-breaking output from Tesla’s China plant fuels global ambitions, as Model Y L expands across Asian-Pacific markets.
Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory production line, which delivered 79,000 vehicles in April 2026
Record Numbers from Shanghai
Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory delivered 79,000 vehicles in April 2026, representing a 36% year-over-year increase, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The milestone underscores the strategic importance of Tesla’s Chinese manufacturing base, which has become the company’s most productive facility globally.
The Model Y continued its dominance as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle for the third consecutive year, also claiming the title of China’s best-selling passenger car in March 2026. Tesla’s global owner base has now surpassed 9 million, with cumulative Q1 2026 worldwide deliveries exceeding 358,000 vehicles.
Model Y L Expands Across Asia-Pacific
The Model Y L, a six-seat luxury SUV manufactured exclusively at the Shanghai plant, has begun deliveries across multiple Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The vehicle received the “Best Pure Electric SUV” award at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show.
South Korea emerged as a standout market, with imports from Shanghai reaching 13,000 units in April alone — a staggering 1,050% year-over-year increase. Reports from Korean media described long queues at Tesla showrooms across the country. Australia also posted impressive growth of 145% year-over-year, with Model Y registrations ranking first in the market.
Charging Infrastructure Reaches New Heights
Tesla’s Chinese charging network has expanded dramatically, now comprising over 2,600 supercharger stations with more than 12,000 supercharging piles and 650+ destination charging stations. The network covers 100% of provincial capitals, municipalities, and the vast majority of prefecture-level cities in mainland China, with real-time availability reaching 99.95%.
Notably, Tesla has opened more than 1,000 charging stations to non-Tesla EV owners, signaling a strategic shift toward broader EV ecosystem support. Tesla’s autonomous driving system has accumulated over 16 billion kilometers (10 billion miles) of driving data globally, with safety levels reportedly eight times higher than the US road average.
Related
For a deeper look at how the Model Y L is performing across South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, read our follow-up analysis: Model Y L Deep Dive: How Tesla’s Six-Seat EV Is Reshaping Asia-Pacific Export Markets.
Sources
- China Daily, Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory April 2026 delivery data
- Gasgoo — Tesla Shanghai delivers 79,000 vehicles in April, up 36%
- CPCA — April 2026 China passenger car delivery data
