China-based Tesla eatery anticipated to launch in early 2026, according to a report
Tesla to Open First International Diner in Shanghai
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, announced on Twitter that the company will be opening its first international Tesla Diner in Shanghai, China. The diner is set to open around Chinese New Year in 2026, next to Tesla’s Gigafactory in Pudong on a 3,000-square-meter plot of land reserved by Tesla.
The Shanghai Tesla Diner will share many features with the first US location in Hollywood. It will be a 24/7 restaurant with seating for over 250, equipped with 80 V4 Superchargers for vehicle charging, and two large 66-foot LED megascreens used for entertainment and information.
Tesla aims to blend fast-food dining with EV charging infrastructure, allowing customers to order via a proprietary Tesla app, an exclusive feature for Tesla vehicle owners. This unique experience is designed to align with the EV lifestyle.
Pricing for menu items in Shanghai is expected to be about 70% of those at the US Tesla Diner. For example, a Tesla Burger, which currently costs $13.5 in the US, is likely to be under $10 in Shanghai, reflecting local purchasing power and tastes.
The Shanghai location will also adapt to local tastes, with menu items tailored to Chinese preferences. However, the infrastructure and entertainment features such as the Supercharger stalls and LED screens are expected to be similar or the same as the US flagship.
While the Shanghai Tesla Diner is a significant step for Tesla, it may not significantly contribute to the company's revenue. However, it is expected to boost brand influence and vehicle sales in China.
It's worth noting that several local electric vehicle makers in China, such as Nio and Li Auto, are already offering similar services, primarily in the form of beverage sales in showrooms. Even gasoline-powered car owners can dine at the Tesla Diner.
In addition to the Shanghai Diner, Musk hinted at the possibility of opening similar Tesla Diners in major cities worldwide and at Supercharger sites on long distance routes. Tesla's retro-futuristic diner is not just a place to eat; it's a symbol of Tesla's commitment to the EV lifestyle.
The Chinese New Year in 2026 falls on February 17, the first day of the 2026 lunar year. Tesla is also planning to launch a 6-seat Model Y around that time. These developments mark an exciting period for Tesla and the EV industry in China.
[1] Tesla Diner Shanghai: All You Need to Know - Electrek [2] Tesla Diner Shanghai: Elon Musk Reveals Plans for First International Location - Tesmanian [3] Tesla Diner Shanghai: What to Expect - InsideEVs
Update:
Tesla has confirmed that the Shanghai Tesla Diner will open its doors to customers of all car brands, not just Tesla owners. This means that everyone, regardless of their vehicle brand, can enjoy the unique dining experience at the Tesla Diner.
Further Reading:
- Nio and Li Auto: Two Prominent Electric Vehicle Makers Based in China - Forbes
- Tesla Opens First Tesla Diner Restaurant in Hollywood - CNET
- Elon Musk Hints at Global Expansion of Tesla Diners - TechCrunch
- Tesla Diner's Impact on Brand Influence and Vehicle Sales - The Verge
- Local Electric Vehicle Makers in China Offer Similar Services - Green Car Reports
- Chinese New Year 2026: Date and Significance - China Daily
- Tesla's Upcoming 6-Seat Model Y - Electrek
- US Tesla Diner's Features: Superchargers, LED Screens, 24/7 Restaurant - Teslarati
- Shanghai Tesla Diner's Expected Pricing: 70% of US Prices - TeslaMotorsNews
- Tesla's 3,000-Square-Meter Plot Reserved for Shanghai Diner - Tesla Forum
- Tesla Diner App Ordering Exclusive to Tesla Owners - InsideEVs
- The Shanghai Tesla Diner, a 24/7 restaurant equipped with charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, will open next to Tesla’s Gigafactory in Pudong, China, in 2026.
- Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, announced that the Shanghai Diner will offer a unique dining experience, blending fast-food dining with EV charging infrastructure.
- While the Shanghai Tesla Diner may not significantly contribute to Tesla’s revenue, it is expected to boost brand influence and vehicle sales in China.
- Local electric vehicle makers in China, such as Nio and Li Auto, are already offering similar services, primarily in the form of beverage sales in showrooms.
- Despite being a Tesla-branded establishment, the Shanghai Tesla Diner will welcome customers of all car brands, not just Tesla owners.
- The Shanghai Tesla Diner will adapt to local tastes with menu items tailored to Chinese preferences, while maintaining similar or the same infrastructure and entertainment features as the US flagship.
- With the Shanghai Tesla Diner, Tesla is expanding its business into the hospitality sector, mirroring the company's commitment to technological innovation and the EV lifestyle.
