The discounts underscore Tesla’s sliding output and fading demand, as analysts warn of intensifying EV price battles
2-MIN READ2-MINDaniel Renin ShanghaiPublished: 6:21pm, 7 Sep 2026Tesla China has launched discounts on its Shanghai-made cars for the first time since the end of 2024, responding to falling deliveries in the world’s largest market for electric vehicles (EVs).Prices of Model 3 vehicles in inventory would be reduced by 5,000 yuan (US$745) each, while buyers of the Model Y could enjoy a discount of 10,000 yuan per unit, the US carmaker announced on Monday.
The promotions would run until the end of September, Tesla China said in a statement.
“Tesla has been refraining from cutting prices on its cars while resorting to subsidies for car insurance purchase or interest-free loans to drive up sales in China,” said Eric Han, senior manager at Shanghai consultancy Suolei.
“The discounts it is offering this time are likely to trigger a fresh round of price competition amid weak consumer demand.”
A 5,000 yuan price reduction translates into a 2.1 per cent discount to the 235,500 yuan retail price for a basic Model 3.
An entry-level edition of Model Y, sold at 263,500 yuan, sees a price drop of 3.8 per cent after the 10,000 yuan discount.
