Tesla may be having a bumpy year globally, but in Australia, the Model Y just helped the company hit its strongest month yet in 2025 — and the numbers tell the story.
In May alone, Tesla sold 3,897 vehicles across Australia. Of that, a massive 3,580 were Model Y SUVs, accounting for nearly 92% of Tesla’s total sales for the month.
That’s not just good — that’s record-breaking.
- Up 9.3% from May 2024
- Up 122.5% year-over-year for Model Y alone
- Best sales month for the Model Y since June 2024
And while it didn’t quite top Tesla’s epic May 2023 (when it sold 4,476 vehicles), this May marks a serious comeback after months of slower output and factory retooling.
What Slowed Tesla Down Earlier This Year?
Tesla has been in the middle of a major production shift, updating key models at every global Gigafactory. That included retooling for:
- A new front and rear fascia on the Model Y
- Suspension upgrades for better comfort
- Interior refinements to elevate the cabin feel
These changes hit temporarily, but they’re starting to pay off — especially in markets like Australia, where the refreshed Model Y Launch Edition got a ton of attention.
Tesla’s Aussie Boss: “Record Test Drive Week in Our History”
According to Thom Drew, Tesla’s Country Manager for Australia, the new Model Y isn’t just moving units — it’s drawing crowds.
“When we launched orders back in January, we had an enormous response to the Launch Edition,” he told Drive in April.
“We’ve only just started test drives in the last couple of weeks… and now we’re seeing that kind of second wave come through. I think we had a record test drive week last week in our entire history.”
That kind of demand bodes well for Tesla, especially as more customers get behind the wheel and experience the new ride quality firsthand.
What’s Different About the Model Y Launch Edition?
The Launch Edition stands out with:
- Exclusive premium badging
- Unique trim finishes
- Enhanced ride tuning
- All-wheel drive performance with extended range
And while the standard Long Range AWD version is still widely available, the Launch Edition’s limited availability helped create buzz and get people into Tesla showrooms again.
What’s Next for Tesla Globally?
Australia’s Model Y boom is a bright spot in what’s been a challenging global year for Tesla. But that could change soon.
The company is shifting focus to its next big milestone: the Robotaxi platform, which is officially set to launch on June 12.
With AI-powered autonomy front and center — and the potential to reshape transportation entirely — Tesla’s next chapter could be even more dramatic than its EV surge.
Have you tried the updated Model Y yet? Thinking about upgrading or switching from another EV? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear what you think of Tesla’s refresh and what it’s like behind the wheel down under.