Tesla pushes China Model 3 deliveries into 2026

Tesla’s China website now shows that Model 3 orders are being scheduled into 2026.

Estimated delivery times for the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive, and Long-Range All-Wheel Drive versions are currently 4–6 weeks after reservation, while the High-Performance All-Wheel Drive version is set for February 2026.

This follows earlier delays for Model Y orders, which had already been pushed into 2026.

Tesla has some production capacity reserved for year-end deliveries, but there are fewer than four weeks left in 2025.

🔗 Source: TechNode

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Implications, context, and why it matters.

Model 3 delays tie to mix planning

China Model 3 orders now extend into 2026, with the Performance trim at a February 2026 ETA while other versions sit at 4–6 weeks 1. Capacity has shifted to Model Y, sold out for 2025 with Jan–Feb 2026 timing by trim, and Giga Shanghai lifted Juniper from 6,700 in week 9 to 9,500 in week 11 2 3 4.
Unlike NIO’s ES8 battery limits 5, Tesla’s backlog comes from demand that outran 2025 slots, and November wholesale sales hit 86,700, up 40.98% m/m 1. The Performance February 2026 date matches Model Y Long Range’s extension, which aligns with capacity management during retooling that also saw a 49% shipment drop in February 2025 2 6.

Rivals can use Tesla’s 4–6 week gap

Chinese electric vehicle makers like BYD, which sold more than 318,000 in February with Song Plus near $21,000 6, can pitch delivery to buyers facing 4–6 week Model 3 waits and February 2026 for Performance 1. Li Auto’s i8 with NIO’s Onvo L90, with Onvo as NIO’s mass-market brand, price at RMB 300,000–400,000 like Model Y Long Range 7. ES8 battery limits are set to ease in January 5.
Dealers and marketplaces can track Tesla windows for Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range, and All-Wheel Drive Performance to spot urgency. China’s purchase tax exemption scales back in 2026 1. Campaigns that stress delivery by year-end 2025 could win buyers unwilling to wait, and Tesla says some capacity is reserved with fewer than four weeks left 8.