top of page

How to read a Tesla Model Y VIN number - A Step-by-Step Guide


Credit Tesla: Model Y

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle. The VIN is a crucial piece of information that can help you identify the make, model, and year of a vehicle. If you're looking to buy a Tesla Model Y, it's important to know how to read the VIN number to ensure that you're getting the right vehicle.

For US customers the VIN is also inside the NHTSA database, most of the time you receive your VIN after the car is already on its way (Asian and Europe). For US customers you get the VIN once production typically starts.


Understanding the VIN Structure

Credit Tesla: Model Y

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle. It contains 17 digits and letters that provide information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model year, plant, and other important details. Understanding the VIN structure is essential for decoding it and identifying the vehicle's features.


World Manufacturer Identifier (1-3 digits)

The first three digits of a VIN are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). These digits indicate the vehicle's manufacturer and country of origin.

For Tesla and its factories in Austin, Fremont, Shanghai, and Berlin this means different numbers. To find the right number for you we have a little overview:


  • 5YJ - (Tesla Model S and Tesla Model 3 from the US)

  • 7SA- (Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y from the US)

  • LRW - ( Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3 from China)

  • XP7 - (Tesla Model Y from Germany)

So if you are a customer waiting for a Tesla Model 3 in Europe you will have the LRW VIN at the beginning, as the car comes from China to Europe. Normally you receive the VIN once production typically started, in this case, you will receive the VIN in your App once the ship has entered Singapore.

The Tesla Model S and Model X VIN are for all customers the same, as there is only one production site which is Fremont California.


Vehicle Descriptor Section (4-8 digits)

The fourth to eighth digits of a VIN make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). These digits provide information about the vehicle's model, body type, and engine type. For example, the seventh digit of a Tesla Model Y VIN indicates the battery type, with "L" representing the LFP battery and "E" representing the NCA battery.


Vehicle Identifier Section (9-17 digits)

The ninth to seventeenth digits of a VIN make up the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). These digits provide information about the vehicle's unique features, such as the model year, plant, and production sequence. The tenth digit of a Tesla Model Y VIN represents the model year, with "N" representing 2022, "P" representing 2023, and "R" representing 2024.

Tesla VINs also have a unique product plate that provides additional information about the vehicle's features, such as the battery size and source code. The product plate is located on the driver's side door jamb and can be used to confirm the VIN assigned to the vehicle. The Tesla Vin also includes the gross vehicle weight rating and motor drive unit.

In conclusion, understanding the VIN structure is essential for decoding and identifying a vehicle's features. By examining the VIN's digits and letters, one can determine the manufacturer, model year, plant, and other important details. The VIN decoder for Tesla Model Y can be used to identify specific features such as dual-motor performance, body type, and Model Y type.


Decoding the Model Y VIN

Credit Tesla: Model Y

When it comes to decoding the VIN of a Tesla Model Y, there are a few things to keep in mind. The VIN is a 17-digit code that provides a wealth of information about the particular vehicle, including manufacturer and model information, vehicle specifications, and production details. Here is a breakdown of what each digit in the VIN represents.


Manufacturer and Model Information

The first three digits of the VIN provide information about the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. The first digit identifies the country of origin, with "5" representing the United States. The second digit identifies the manufacturer, with "Y" representing Tesla. The third digit identifies the model, with "D" representing Model Y. This example is for the US, and in countries like Germany and China these letters and numbers have similar meanings.


Vehicle Specifications

The fourth through eighth digits of the VIN provide information about the vehicle's specifications. The fourth digit represents the body type and GVWR, with "F" representing the Model Y. The fifth and sixth digits represent the restraint system, with "3" representing a 3-point manual seat belt with front airbags. The seventh and eighth digits represent the model, with "12" representing the Model Y.


Production Details

The ninth through seventeenth digits of the VIN number provide information about the production details of the vehicle. The ninth digit is a check digit used to verify the validity of the VIN number. The tenth digit represents the model year, with "N" representing 2022, "P" representing 2023, and "R" representing 2024. The eleventh digit represents the assembly plant, with "F" representing the Fremont, California plant. The twelfth through seventeenth digits represent the sequence number, which is used to identify the particular vehicle.

It's important to note that the VIN number can provide additional information about the vehicle, such as the battery type, motor/drive unit, and fuel type. This information can be accessed through a VIN decoder tool, which can be found on various websites such as TeslaTap and Find My Electric. Additionally, the Tesla app can provide detailed car details, including the VIN number and other specifications.

You can find further details about your car inside the passenger door at the door pillar. This especially important when it comes to which tires you can use. A Tesla Vin decoder is only interesting to a certain extent, as most of the times it is already known where the vehicles come from.

Tesla Vins begin arriving in your Tesla App pretty fast if your vehicle is already produced. It is also the first step to get a more detailed delivery date. It all depends on the model type. If you order a Model S and it needs to be shipped to Europe, the time until you receive the Vin will be longer, the same for the Model X.


Safety and Compliance Information

When it comes to purchasing a Tesla Model Y, it is important to understand the safety and compliance information associated with the Tesla Model Y VIN. This information is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle meets all necessary safety standards and regulations. Tesla Model Y VINS represents all necessary information for your home country as Tesla must have all the information inside those 17 digits. This rule is mandatory for all cars sold and it doesn't matter if left-hand drive or right-hand drive.

Summary

We hope that this little Guide about how to read a Mode lY VIN will help you to understand this information better. If you like to know more about the Tesla Model Y check out our full detailed Guide that we have prepared for you, so you don't miss anything about the Model Y.


65 views0 comments

Comments


Rate your E-Vehicle now
& share your experience!

Rating_Teaser.png

Not yet part of the newsletter?

Stay up to date! Don't miss any article about electric mobility.
A summary awaits you about once a week.

Nearly done! We have sent you an email. Confirm your email address.

bottom of page