Tesla Updates China-Made Model 3 and Y With V2L, Zen Gray, and 16-Inch Screen

Tesla has implemented a comprehensive set of hardware and aesthetic updates for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles produced at Gigafactory Shanghai. Starting with deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026, customers in China, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and other markets served by the factory will receive vehicles featuring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, a new interior color scheme, and an enlarged central touchscreen.

What Happened

The most significant functional addition is bidirectional charging via V2L, which allows drivers to power external devices directly from the high-voltage battery pack using Tesla’s official Outlet Adapter. This feature, previously exclusive to the Cybertruck and select Model Y variants, is now being integrated into newly produced Model 3 and Model Y trims. The update requires specific bidirectional power electronics built into the onboard charging assembly, meaning existing owners cannot retrofit the capability.

Interior updates include the retirement of the 'Black and White' upholstery option in favor of 'Zen Gray,' a muted gray aesthetic that debuted on the Model Y L. Additionally, the cabin now features an all-black headliner across all Model 3 trims, replacing the light grey material that had been standard for years. The center touchscreen has also been upgraded from a 15.4-inch display to a 16-inch unit with improved resolution (2560×1440) and higher pixel density. Cosmetic changes extend to the 19-inch Nova wheels, which now feature a darker gray finish.

Why It Matters

This wave of updates illustrates Tesla’s strategy of injecting new parts and materials into production lines as older inventory is depleted, rather than waiting for annual model-year refreshes. For buyers in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, this represents a standardization of features that were previously limited to the Model Y lineup or specific premium trims. The expansion of V2L enhances the utility of the vehicles for camping, remote work, and emergency power, while the interior changes address long-standing consumer feedback regarding cabin aesthetics. The simultaneous launch of the base Model 3 in Australia and New Zealand further broadens market accessibility in these regions.

The Bottom Line

Gigafactory Shanghai’s updates serve as a preview for Tesla’s global production strategy. If historical patterns hold, Western factories including Fremont, Giga Texas, and Giga Berlin are expected to adopt these hardware and aesthetic changes over the coming months as current inventory is used up.