Tesla’s new RWD Model 3+ uses a bigger battery to deliver up to 497 miles of range on China’s test cycle. U.S. launch still unclear.

Tesla Inc. is preparing to launch a longer, six-seat version of its Model Y sport utility vehicle in China, where the carmaker has been losing ground to domestic manufacturers with fresher lineups.

Tesla is preparing to launch a new Model 3 variant in China, the Model 3+, which appears to be geared toward offering more range, likely around 800 km (500 miles). Yesterday, we reported on Tesla’s filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for a new variant of the Model Y, Tesla Model YL, which features 6 seats.