Tesla Celebrates Model 3 First Decade Milestone with 3 Million Global Deliveries

Tesla marked the 10th anniversary of the Tesla Model 3 as global sales surpassed 3 million units, reinforcing the model’s role as the brand’s first true mass-market EV.

The milestone comes as competition intensifies in key markets like China, where local rivals are rapidly gaining ground in the electric sedan segment.

Model 3 global scale and China performance remain strong

Tesla confirmed that cumulative Model 3 deliveries have exceeded 3 million units worldwide, underscoring its position as one of the most successful EVs ever launched. Initially introduced as a more accessible alternative to the Model S and Model X, the Model 3 helped drive Tesla’s transition into high-volume manufacturing and global expansion, according to CNEV Post.

In China, the model continues to deliver steady growth. The Model 3 recorded 200,361 units sold in 2025, representing a 13.33% year-on-year increase. Production from Gigafactory Shanghai has remained a cornerstone of Tesla’s global supply strategy since local deliveries began in early 2020.

However, export volumes from China declined to 112,377 units in 2025, down 38.65% year-on-year, suggesting a shift toward serving domestic demand or adjusting global distribution strategies.

Rising competition challenges Tesla’s position in China

The Model 3 now faces growing pressure from both domestic startups and established automakers. One of the most notable challengers is the Xiaomi SU7, launched in 2024 and recently refreshed with updated pricing and features.

The SU7’s entry-level variant starts at 219,900 yuan (approximately $31,980), undercutting the Model 3 by around 15,600 yuan. This pricing gap highlights increasing competition in China’s EV market, where affordability and rapid feature updates are key battlegrounds.

Beyond Xiaomi, companies like Nio and Xpeng continue to expand their electric sedan lineups, further crowding the segment. Legacy automakers are also accelerating their EV strategies, adding pressure across multiple price tiers.

Despite the intensifying competition, the Model 3 remains a benchmark product globally, with Tesla emphasizing strong user satisfaction ratings in China and continued relevance a decade after its debut.

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