- Tesla has begun offering ultra-long-term low-interest financing for its EVs in China to offset the impact of the newly implemented purchase tax.
- Tesla also provides a 5-year zero-interest financing option, extending this incentive to the Model Y L for the first time.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has begun offering ultra-long-term low-interest financing for its entire lineup of locally produced vehicles in China to offset the negative impact of the newly implemented purchase tax.
The US electric vehicle (EV) maker announced today that Chinese customers purchasing a Model 3, Model Y, or Model Y L by January 31 can enjoy ultra-low-interest financing for up to 7 years.
This marks the longest-term financing plan offered by an automaker in China to date. Compared to the standard annualized rate of 2.50%, it enables consumers to save up to RMB 33,479 ($4,790).
Under this program, the annualized fee rate is as low as 0.5%, equivalent to an annualized interest rate of 0.98%, according to Tesla China's website.
Chinese customers can purchase a Model 3 or five-seat Model Y with a down payment of RMB 79,900, resulting in monthly payments as low as RMB 1,918 and RMB 2,263 respectively. For the six-seat Model Y L, the minimum down payment is RMB 99,900, with monthly payments starting at RMB 2,947.
Meanwhile, Tesla continues to offer a 5-year 0% interest financing incentive in China, covering all locally produced models -- marking the first time the Model Y L is included.
Currently, the Model Y offers three five-seat variants in China, starting at RMB 263,500, RMB 288,500, and RMB 313,500 respectively. The six-seat Model Y L currently starts at RMB 339,000 in China.
The Model 3 offers four variants in China, priced at RMB 235,500, RMB 259,500, RMB 285,500, and RMB 339,500 respectively.
Tesla's low-interest financing plan aims to offset the potential impact of China's EV purchase tax.
From 2026 to 2027, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) purchase tax will be levied at half the standard rate of 10%, equating to a 5% tax rate. Previously, China exempted NEVs from purchase tax, though with a cap on the maximum exemption amount.
Multiple domestic Chinese EV makers have announced in recent months that they will cover the purchase tax owed by buyers in early 2026.
($1 = RMB 6.9833)
