Report indicators a potential January 2026 launch for the Tesla Eatery in Shanghai
Tesla Opens First Tesla Diner in Shanghai, Prices Anticipated to be Lower than US Locations
Tesla has made a significant move in the Chinese market by announcing the opening of its first Tesla Diner in Shanghai. The restaurant, located adjacent to Tesla's Gigafactory in Pudong, is expected to open around Chinese New Year in 2026, on February 17, 2026.
The Shanghai Tesla Diner is anticipated to offer meals at a notably lower price point compared to the original US location. Product pricing is estimated to be about 70% of the prices charged at Tesla Diners in the US. This pricing comparison suggests localization in costs and market adjustments.
The first Tesla Diner in the US, located in Hollywood, California, opened in July 2025. It features a 1950s retro theme, 80 V4 Superchargers, large LED megascreens, and Tesla-exclusive conveniences such as ordering food via the in-car system and synced audio from outdoor screens. While no exact menu prices from the US diner are cited, the 70% pricing estimate for China indicates a significant discount compared to US prices.
Tesla's plan to establish Tesla Diners globally was announced on Elon Musk's Twitter account on July 21. The company aims to boost brand influence and vehicle sales through this venture. Interestingly, customers driving gasoline-powered cars can also dine at the Tesla Diner.
In China, several local electric vehicle makers, such as Nio and Li Auto, are already offering similar services, mainly in the form of selling beverages in showrooms. However, neither Nio nor Li Auto has publicly reacted to Tesla's announcement of the 6-seat Model Y variant or the opening of the Shanghai Tesla Diner.
Elon Musk has hinted at the possibility of opening similar Tesla Diners in major cities worldwide and at Supercharger sites on long-distance routes. The Tesla Diner's features exclusive to owners include ordering from cars and synchronizing the central screen with the restaurant's movie screen.
[1] West China City Daily Report, July 2025 [2] CNEVPost Article, July 2025 [3] Tesla Diner Website (unavailable at the time of writing) [4] Elon Musk's Twitter Account (@elonmusk), July 21, 2025
N.B. This article is based on information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change.
- Tesla's foray into the Chinese market continued with the announcement of its first Tesla Diner in Shanghai, scheduled to open in 2026, serving meals at a lower price point compared to US locations.
- The EV industry in China is already being disrupted by local players such as Nio and Li Auto, with showroom beverage services being a part of their strategies.
- In response to Tesla's announcement of the 6-seat Model Y variant and the Shanghai Tesla Diner, neither Nio nor Li Auto has publicly commented.
- The business strategy behind Tesla Diners is aimed at boosting brand influence and vehicle sales, with Tesla planning to open similar establishments in major cities and Supercharger sites worldwide.
- Tesla Diners feature unique conveniences for electric vehicle owners like ordering food via the in-car system and synchronizing the central screen with the restaurant's movie screen.
- Despite a lack of public response from Nio and Li Auto, the Tesla Diner concept demonstrates Tesla's technological innovation and commitment to redefining the traditional dining experience.
- The growth and intensifying competition in the electric vehicle market in China, driven by companies like Tesla, Nio, and Li Auto, will likely impact the finance and business sectors in significant ways, further shaping the infrastructure and technology landscape in the industry.
