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Tesla Vehicle Production And Sales By Model

Tesla Motors. Source: Flickr Image

This article presents the results of Tesla’s vehicle production and delivery by model.

Apart from vehicle production and delivery, this article also explores a number of other statistics, including Tesla’s cumulative deliveries, sales comparison with Ford and GM, and comparison with Chinese EV companies.

Let’s take a look!

Investors looking for other statistics of Tesla may find more resources on these pages:

Please use the table of contents to navigate this page.

Table Of Contents

Definitions And Overview

O2. Tesla Business Strategy
O3. How Tesla Distributes Its Vehicles

Production Overview

A1. Installed Annual Production Capacity

Production By Model

A2. Vehicle Production By Model

Sales By Model

A3. Vehicle Delivery By Model

Aggregate Sales Numbers

B1. Cumulative Vehicle Deliveries

Sales Numbers Vs Competitors

C1. Tesla vs Ford And GM
C2. Tesla vs BYD, Nio, Xpeng, And Li Auto

Conclusion And Reference

S1. Conclusion
S2. References and Credits
S3. Disclosure

Definitions

To help readers understand the content better, the following terms and glossaries have been provided.

Tesla Upcoming Models: Tesla has some exciting upcoming models lined up for 2025 and beyond:

  • Tesla Model S and Model X Refresh: Tesla plans to update its Model S and Model X later this year. The refresh is expected to include both internal updates and a refreshed exterior.
  • Tesla Model Y “Juniper”: The new Tesla Model Y, also known as “Juniper,” has made its worldwide debut. It features a refreshed exterior, new features from the current Model 3, and improved efficiency and range.
  • Tesla Model Q: Tesla is working on a lower-cost EV positioned below the Model 3, often referred to as the ‘Model Q’. It is expected to offer about 250 miles of range and similar software and autonomy features as the bigger Tesla.

These models are set to bring new features and improvements to Tesla’s lineup, making them even more appealing to electric vehicle enthusiasts.

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Tesla Business Strategy

Tesla’s business strategy centers on producing innovative, high-performance electric vehicles, energy storage solutions, and solar products. The company aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy by developing and promoting environmentally friendly and technologically advanced products.

Tesla’s strategy also includes a vertically integrated business model, with the company controlling all aspects of its products, from design and engineering to manufacturing and sales. By doing so, Tesla seeks greater efficiency, quality, and control over its supply chain. The company also emphasizes a direct-to-consumer sales model, using its stores and digital channels to sell its products and provide a seamless customer experience.

Overall, Tesla’s business strategy focuses on disrupting the traditional automotive industry by offering unique products integrating advanced technology, sustainability, and performance.

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How Tesla Distributes Its Vehicles

Tesla distributes its vehicles primarily through its network of company-owned stores and galleries in various countries worldwide. Customers can also purchase Tesla vehicles online through the company’s website.

Tesla has a direct-to-consumer sales model, meaning it does not use traditional car dealerships to sell its vehicles. This gives Tesla greater control over the sales process and customer experience.

Additionally, Tesla also offers home delivery and service options for its vehicles, further enhancing the convenience for its customers.

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Installed Annual Production Capacity

Tesla’s production capacity as of fiscal 4Q 2024:

As at 31 Dec 2024
Installed Annual Capacity Status
Location Model
California, USA Model S / Model X 100,000 Production
Model 3 / Model Y >550,000 Production
Shanghai, China Model 3 / Model Y >950,000 Production
Berlin, Germany Model Y >375,000 Production
Texas, USA Model Y >250,000 Production
Cybertruck >125,000 Production
Cybercab In development
Nevada, USA Tesla Semi Pilot production
TBD Roaster In development
Robotaxi In development
India Future Product In talk with the leaders
Indonesia Future Product In talk with the leaders
Mexico Future Product In talk with the leaders

* Installed capacity ≠ current production rate and limitations may be discovered as production rates approach capacity, according to Tesla.
* Production rates depend on various factors, including equipment uptime, component supply, downtime related to factory upgrades, regulatory considerations, and other factors, according to Tesla.
* Tesla production capacity 4Q 2024. Source: Tesla 4Q 2024 update letter.

Tesla’s future models are in 2025 and beyond: Tesla upcoming models.

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Tesla’s Fremont Gigafactory in California, USA, boasts a production capacity of up to 550,000 Model 3/Y vehicles and 100,000 Model S/X vehicles annually. This makes it the Gigafactory with the largest installed capacity in the United States.

However, despite its impressive size, the Fremont Gigafactory is overshadowed by its Chinese counterpart. By the end of 2024, Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory has reached an astounding production capacity of up to 950,000 vehicles per year, making it the largest Gigafactory in the world. Although the Shanghai Gigafactory only produces the Model 3/Y, it serves as the primary export hub for these models, supporting Tesla’s global market penetration.

In addition to these factories, Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory plays a significant role in the company’s production landscape. The Texas Gigafactory produces the Model Y with an annual installed capacity of 250,000 vehicles and has recently commenced pilot production of the flagship Cybertruck, with an initial installed capacity of 125,000 vehicles.

Furthermore, the Nevada Gigafactory is expected to focus on producing the Tesla Semi, adding to Tesla’s diverse product lineup. Beyond the U.S. and China, Tesla has expanded its global footprint with a Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany. The company is also exploring the possibility of establishing additional Gigafactories in India, Indonesia, and Mexico, aiming to bolster its production capabilities and better serve regional markets.

Collectively, as of the fourth quarter of 2024, Tesla’s worldwide production capacity has surpassed an impressive 2.0 million vehicles per year. This extensive and growing manufacturing network underlines Tesla’s commitment to scaling up production and meeting the rising global demand for electric vehicles.

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Vehicle Production By Model

tesla-vehicle-production-by-model

tesla-vehicle-production-by-model

(click image to expand)

* Model 3/Y production numbers are obtained from Tesla’s investor update letters.
* Tesla’s fiscal year begins on Jan 1 and ends on Dec 31.

Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y have emerged as the cornerstone of the automaker’s global production volumes. By the end of the fiscal year 2024, these models accounted for a significant production total of 1.68 million vehicles. This robust performance underscores their vital role in Tesla’s lineup. In fiscal year 2023 alone, Tesla produced an impressive 1.78 million Model 3 and Y vehicles, marking a substantial 37% increase from the previous year.

The production growth trajectory for the Model 3 and Y is nothing short of remarkable. Since 2018, production volumes for these models have surged approximately eightfold, with Tesla achieving the milestone of one million vehicles for the first time in 2022. This exponential growth highlights Tesla’s successful scaling of its manufacturing capabilities to meet increasing market demand for these models.

In contrast, Tesla’s Model S and X, along with other models such as the Cybertruck, contribute a relatively smaller portion to the automaker’s global production volume. By the end of fiscal year 2024, the production volume for these models reached a total of 94,100 units. While this represents a notable increase of more than 30% compared to fiscal year 2023, it remains a fraction of Tesla’s overall production output.

Despite achieving significant milestones by the end of fiscal year 2024, the production volumes for the Model S, X, and other models have remained relatively consistent with pre-COVID levels. This trend is illustrated in the accompanying chart, which shows that while these premium models have grown in production, they have not reached the same level of growth as the mass-market Model 3 and Y.

The comparatively modest production volumes of the Model S and X reflect their position as premium models within Tesla’s lineup. Unlike the mass-market appeal of the Model 3 and Y, the Model S and X are designed for a more niche market, which inherently limits their production capacity. As Tesla continues to expand its product offerings and production capabilities, the balance between premium and mass-market models will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future growth.

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Vehicle Delivery By Model

tesla-vehicle-delivery-by-model

tesla-vehicle-delivery-by-model

(click image to expand)

* Model Y delivery started only in 2Q 2020.
* Tesla’s fiscal year begins on Jan 1 and ends on Dec 31.

Tesla’s mass-market Model 3 and Y constitute the majority of the automaker’s global vehicle sales. In fiscal year 2023, Tesla sold 1.74 million Model 3 and Y vehicles. This figure slightly declined to 1.7 million in fiscal year 2024, representing a 2% year-over-year decrease.

Despite this temporary setback in 2024, Tesla’s worldwide sales of the Model 3 and Y have grown significantly over the years, marking an impressive 12-fold increase since 2018. The milestone of surpassing one million vehicles sold was first achieved in 2022, highlighting the strong market demand and Tesla’s production capabilities for these models.

Conversely, Tesla’s premium models, the Model S and X, have not performed as strongly as the Model 3 and Y. This discrepancy is largely due to the higher market positioning of the Model S and X, which limits their mass-market appeal. In fiscal year 2024, Tesla sold only 85,000 units of the Model S, X, and other models, including the Cybertruck. However, this represents a 24% increase from fiscal year 2023.

Even with this significant growth rate in 2024, the sales of the Model S and X have remained well below pre-COVID levels. This trend underscores the capacity limitations of these premium models, which cater to a more niche market segment compared to the mass-market Model 3 and Y.

The sales figures of Tesla’s various models illustrate the company’s strategic focus on balancing its product lineup between high-volume mass-market vehicles and premium offerings. This approach ensures that Tesla can cater to a broad spectrum of consumers while continuing to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.

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Cumulative Vehicle Deliveries

Tesla's cumulative vehicle delivery

Tesla’s cumulative vehicle delivery

(click image to enlarge)

* Cumulative vehicle deliveries sum up all prior delivery numbers.
* Tesla’s fiscal year begins on Jan 1 and ends on Dec 31.

Tesla’s journey to automotive milestones has been nothing short of remarkable. It took approximately five years for Tesla to deliver its first million vehicles in 2020, following the start of Model S/X production in 2015. However, the subsequent pace of growth has been significantly faster.

After reaching the first million mark, Tesla only took a year to hit the two million vehicle milestone. This acceleration continued, demonstrating the company’s increasing production efficiency and growing market demand. For instance, Tesla managed to deliver an additional one million vehicles in less than 12 months to achieve a total of three million vehicles. Even more impressively, the company reached the four million milestone in just nine months.

Continuing this rapid trajectory, Tesla’s cumulative vehicle deliveries reached a new pinnacle by the end of the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024, with a total of 7.1 million vehicles delivered. This consistent and accelerated growth showcases Tesla’s ability to scale production, innovate in electric vehicle technology, and meet the rising global demand for sustainable transportation.

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Tesla vs Ford And GM

Tesla's vehicle delivery vs. Ford and GM

Tesla’s vehicle delivery vs. Ford and GM

(click image to enlarge)

* GM and Ford’s vehicle sales numbers are wholesale-based, while Tesla’s figures are direct sales to consumers.
* All companies’ fiscal year begins on Jan 1 and ends on Dec 31.

Tesla’s vehicle sales remain significantly below those of Ford and GM, as depicted in the accompanying graph. Specifically, Tesla’s sales figures for fiscal year 2024 are less than half of both Ford’s sales and GM’s sales.

Historically, the disparity was much greater, especially during a time when electric vehicles (EVs) were relatively unheard of.

Over the years, as EVs have steadily gained mainstream acceptance, Tesla has experienced substantial growth in its sales, gradually narrowing the gap with industry giants like GM and Ford.

During this period, Ford and GM’s vehicle sales have seen considerable declines from their historical highs. This trend has contributed to a more rapid closing of the gap between Tesla and its more established competitors.

Tesla’s increasing market share and growing sales numbers highlight the significant shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainable transportation solutions.

As Tesla continues to expand its production capacity and introduce new models, the company is well-positioned to further diminish the gap with legacy automakers like Ford and GM, who are also adapting their strategies to stay competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.

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Tesla vs BYD, Nio, Xpeng And Li Auto

Tesla's vehicle delivery vs. Chinese EV companies

Tesla’s vehicle delivery vs. Chinese EV companies

(click image to enlarge)

* Chinese EV sales numbers are obtained from the companies’ respective sales reports.
* All companies’ fiscal year begins on Jan 1 and ends on Dec 31.

Tesla’s vehicle sales significantly outpaced those of Chinese EV makers such as Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto. In fiscal year 2024, Tesla delivered 1.79 million cars, which is considerably higher than its Chinese competitors.

However, Tesla’s sales figures still trail behind BYD’s global sales, which reached over 4 million units in fiscal year 2024. Tesla’s deliveries of 1.79 million cars were less than half of BYD’s worldwide volumes.

When compared to Chinese EV makers such as Nio, Xpeng, and Li Auto, Tesla has shown a significant lead in vehicle sales. For instance, Li Auto, the largest among Nio and Xpeng, delivered 500,000 cars in fiscal year 2024. In contrast, Nio and Xpeng each delivered fewer than 300,000 cars.

On the other hand, BYD has surpassed Tesla by a significant margin. Tesla once held a higher lead over BYD. For example, in fiscal year 2021, Tesla sold 936,000 vehicles compared to BYD’s 740,000 vehicles. However, over the years, BYD has steadily progressed, ultimately surpassing Tesla in global EV sales.

The dynamic shift in sales figures highlights the competitive landscape of the electric vehicle market. Tesla, with its innovative technology and robust market presence, continues to perform strongly against many competitors. However, companies like BYD have made significant strides in expanding their production capacities and market reach, contributing to their impressive sales growth.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow globally, the competition among leading automakers is expected to intensify. Tesla’s ability to innovate and scale its operations will play a crucial role in maintaining its position in the rapidly evolving EV market. Meanwhile, other players like BYD will continue to challenge Tesla’s dominance by leveraging their own strengths and strategic advantages.

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Conclusion

In summary, Tesla’s expanding global production capacity, with significant contributions from Gigafactories in the U.S., China, and Germany, positions the company well to meet future demand and compete with established automakers.

Tesla’s rapid growth in production and sales, particularly for the Model 3 and Y, highlights the company’s ability to scale operations and meet increasing demand for electric vehicles.

The premium status of the Model S and X limits their production volumes compared to the mass-market Model 3 and Y. However, these models contribute to Tesla’s brand prestige and technological innovation.

While Tesla leads among many EV makers, it faces stiff competition from traditional automakers and rapidly growing companies like BYD. Tesla’s continued innovation and expansion will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.

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References and Credits

1. All figures presented were referenced and obtained from Tesla’s annual reports and investor update letters published on the company’s investor relations page: Tesla Investor Relations.

2. Flickr Images.

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Disclosure

We may use the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to produce some of the text in this article. However, the data is directly obtained from original sources and meticulously cross-checked by our editors multiple times to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

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{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Dan Ciborowski August 17, 2021, 5:11 am

    Thanks a lot for your detailed breakdown here.
    It has helped me but my ordering “process” into some perspective.

    I completed the order for a Model Y LR on July 11th, and was provided an estimated delivery date between August 15 and Sept 1.
    By the time I woke up the next day, the delivery date was pushed to Sept-Oct. And then again around August 12th till Oct-Nov.

    Given your numbers, in order to estimate a delivery by end of August, I assume there were roughly 145k orders placed before my own. Given this rate, Telsa would produce about 220k in Q3.
    But now given the revised timeline for my own vehicle, Tesla will only be able to produce 110k Vehicles in Q3.

    Now, Telsa states, that all purchased are completed in order that they are received… That they do not guarantee delivery dates, but that those dates are the most accurate dates they can provide. But, the Phone Reps can not clarify on how they are deteremined, which is only available to other people in the company who can not be reached. They have also stated that they deliver all vehicles in the order which purchases were placed.

    Currently Tesla is advertising the Model Y LR ordered today would be delivered in Jan (but off course, no guarantees). While a Model Y Performance is advertised as 6-8 weeks.

    This starts to feel fishy. How can someone ordering the same, but “more expensive”, version of the same vehicle receive theirs first, if all orders are completed in order.

    I think…. Tesla is cherry picking out the most profitable orders, particularly with the nearest delivery destinations, so that, despite COVID they can keep putting up these fantastic numbers.

    If Tesla goes and sets another record, selling more then 200k vehicles in Q3, the fishy smell feel like rote. As they could only achieve those numbers through some massive customer manipulation.

    Or, is the upside if we see a nearly 50% reduction in quarterly production, matching their advertised estiamtes of about 110k?

    • Kenny Chan August 17, 2021, 10:45 am

      The cherry-picking on car delivery definitely smells fishy.

      However, Tesla expects to produce 50% more cars in 2021 than in 2020, and the same for 2022.

      If Tesla can only deliver or produce 110k vehicles in Q3, be prepared for a 50% reduction in the stock price.

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