Tesla readies export of Model Y to Canada from China

Tesla has begun producing in Shanghai a version of the Model Y to be sold in Canada in 2023, the first time it will ship cars to North America from China, according to a person with direct knowledge of the plan and a production memo seen by Reuters.

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The move would connect Tesla's biggest and most cost-efficient factory in the world to North America, its largest market. The Model Y is the electric vehicle (EV) maker's best-selling model globally.

Over the weekend, Tesla posted on its website that it would offer a new, cheaper version of its Model Y in Canada, a rear-wheel drive variant of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) styled crossover priced at C$10,000 (S$9,860) lower than the long-range version of the vehicle available in that market.

Tesla's website showed that customers in Canada could arrange delivery of the new version of the Model Y between May and July.

The Canadian government's website was updated last Friday to show that the new version of the Model Y and the more expensive long-range variant both qualify for incentives of C$5,000 on purchase or a four-year lease.

Tesla Shanghai began production of the Canada-bound version of Model Y earlier in April, the person with knowledge of the development said.