The Tesla VIN number is packed with info. Here’s a quick guide for looking up a VIN and what it means. You’ll find the Tesla country codes, factory, model, year, and more. This can help you determine the battery type and other configurations. This can also help with finding the right sizes for Tesla accessories.
I’ll use my Model Y as an example. Although, the VIN structure is the same for other models. Let’s start with locating the VIN.
Where to Find Tesla VIN Number?
To find your VIN, check your front windshield from the outside. It’s visible through the bottom right. To get a better visual, I’ve also shared this info in a video. Feel free to watch and please comment with any questions. Hearing from you motivates me to keep sharing useful Tesla guides.
You can also find your Tesla VIN number from your phone. It’s at the bottom of your Tesla app. This gives us 17 characters and numbers. But what do they mean? Here’s how to decode the VIN number.
Tesla VIN Decoder and Lookup
We’ll go in order to decode a Tesla VIN number. Although, feel free to jump ahead.
The first three spots are for the country code. You can see if Tesla manufactured a car in the United States or elsewhere. Here are the codes:
Tesla Country Codes (1-3)
- 5YJ – Earlier Fremont builds (USA)
- 7SA – Fremont/Austin (USA post-2021)
- LRW – Shanghai, China
- XP7 – Berlin, Germany
The Tesla Cybertruck VIN uses different starting codes: 7G2.
Tesla VIN Model Lookup (4)
The 4th spot shows the Tesla Model. For mine, it’s a Y. And with Elon humor, the cars spell SEXY, and a 3 for the E. Fun fact, Model E sounded too close to the Ford Model T.
- S – Model S
- 3 – Model 3
- X – Model X
- Y – Model Y
- R – Roadster
- C – Cybertruck
Tesla Vehicle Configuration Codes
Continuing with the Tesla VIN decoder, the next four spots cover specific vehicle configuration. There’s a lot of variation. Here’s an overview with some specific VIN examples.
Body Type and Steering Side (5)
This digit identifies the chassis style. It can also show whether the Tesla is Left-Hand Drive (LHD) or Right-Hand Drive (RHD).
- E – Sedan, 4-Door, LHD (Model 3)
- G – MPV / SUV, 5-Door, LHD (Model Y)
- A – Hatchback, 5-Door, LHD (Model S)
- C – MPV, 5-Door, LHD (Model X)
- J – Crew Cab (Cybertruck)
Restraint Systems (6)
This covers the safety equipment. It can include the number of airbags and seatbelt configurations.
- 1 – Type 2 seatbelts with front/side/knee airbags and PODS (standard for Model 3).
- A – Type 2 seatbelts with full airbags (common for 7-seat Model Y/X).
- D – Type 2 seatbelts with full airbags (standard 5-seat Model Y/X).
- 7 – Front/Rear seatbelts and airbags. Active Hood in European markets for pedestrian safety.
Fuel Type and Battery Tech (7)
For modern Teslas, this shows the battery chemistry or fuel type.
- E – Electric (Standard for most US-built models).
- F – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery (Common in Rear-Wheel Drive Model 3 and some Model Y units).
- H – High-capacity NMC/NCA battery (Used for Long Range and Performance variants).
These Tesla VIN examples cover most vehicles. Let’s now look at position eight. This is one of the most searched parts of a Tesla VIN when buying a Tesla.
Motor and Drive Unit (8)
This shows the Tesla’s performance tier and motor count. Here are common examples.
| Code | Motor Configuration | Common Models |
| A | Single Motor (Standard) | Model 3 RWD |
| B | Dual Motor (Standard) | Model 3 Long Range |
| C | Dual Motor (Performance) | Model 3 Performance |
| D | Single Motor (Standard) | Model Y RWD |
| E | Dual Motor (Standard) | Model Y Long Range |
| F | Dual Motor (Performance) | Model Y Performance |
| 5 | Dual Motor (P2) | Model S / X Long Range |
| 6 | Triple Motor (Plaid) | Model S / X Plaid |
No matter the configuration, a Tesla is already one of the fastest cars on the road. Also, these vehicles do better in cold weather than many people believe. Here are the Top 21 Tesla Winter Tips for owners. For example, number nine is good to keep in mind for both the Tesla Model Y and 3.
VIN Check Digit (9)
The 9th character in a Tesla VIN is the check digit. It’s a special number you can use to verify the entire VIN. It’s calculated using a formula defined by international VIN standards. This can help to ensure that the VIN hasn’t been mistyped or altered.
For Tesla vehicles, this digit doesn’t give info about the car’s model, battery, or drivetrain. Instead, it’s for error detection. When a VIN passes the check digit calculation, it confirms that all 17 characters are formatted correctly.
If you want to learn more about how VIN check digits, here’s a video guide. It’s fun to learn about different systems and logic.
Tesla VIN Model Year (10)
Here’s how to check Tesla VINs for the production date. The 10th character shows the vehicle’s model year. For example, recent Tesla codes include:
- L – 2020
- M – 2021
- N – 2022
- P – 2023
- R – 2024
- S – 2025
- T – 2026
Knowing the 10th character allows you to confirm a Tesla’s production year. This can be useful for checking warranty, resale value, or compatibility of parts.
Where was Your Tesla Made? Check Factory (11)
The 11th character of a Tesla VIN lets shows the factory where your car was built. This can be useful for confirming origin and tracking regional variations. Common Tesla factory codes include:
- F – Fremont, California, USA
- A – Austin, Texas, USA
- S – Shanghai, China
- B – Berlin, Germany
This can be helpful when checking service options and parts availability. There can be subtle differences between Tesla models from different factories.
Build Sequence (12-17)
The final six characters of a Tesla VIN (positions 12–17) are build sequence number. This shows the order in which that specific model was produced at a given factory.
The sequence starts at 000001 for each model/year/factory combination. It then increases by one for each vehicle built. For example, a VIN ending in 000123 shows that the car was the 123rd unit produced in that batch.
This info can be useful for collectors and enthusiasts. It might help reveal build quality as well. Where does a Tesla fall in the production run? Early production units may have subtle differences from later ones. This sequence number can help track that.
Tesla Accessories
When buying certain Tesla accessories, it can be good to check the Tesla VIN. Looking it up can help you find the proper sizes. Keep this in mind and here are the Top 40 Tesla Accessories. That list includes both essentials and some fun add-ons.
Also, here are some specific product reviews:
- Tesla Storage Bins
- Best Tesla Model Y Floor Mats
- Tesla Window Shades
- Tesla Charger Lock (do you need one?)
There are also lots of third-party Tesla accessory companies. For example, Yeslak offers a wide range of Tesla products. You can get a discount with my referral code.
20% Discount Code: BRIANKEHM20
With discounts, the company has some of the lowest prices I’ve found. However, it’s good to shop around for the best deals. The Tesla Model Y has become one of the best-selling cars in the world. As a result, there are more accessories available today.
I’ve shared lots of Tesla reviews and guides. Check them out below and feel free to reach out with any questions. You can comment on any of my videos. I should see a notification come through.
Tesla Guides
For both new and existing Tesla owners, there’s a lot to learn. Here are some of my favorite Tesla guides and resources.
- Tesla Sentry Mode Guide
- 21 Tesla Winter Tips
- Finding Tesla Insurance
- 15 Tesla Charging Tips
- Tesla Car Wash Mode
- Camping in a Tesla Guide
- Tesla Valet Mode
- 28 Tesla Hidden Features
I hope you found this Tesla VIN decoder useful. It can be helpful for looking up specific vehicle info. Whether you’re a soon-to-be or existing Tesla owner, congrats! I’ve been happy with my Tesla Model Y and have driven over 50,000 miles. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. Feel free to reach out with any comments or questions.