Category: EV vehicles

January 24, 2025
2025 Model Y Reviews: Ride Comfort & Smart Seat Folding Features
Tesla recently confirmed the much-anticipated announcement regarding the new 2025 Model Y facelift’s pricing and availability in the US market, aligning with recent speculation.
Pricing and Features
The Model Y Juniper facelift is set at a price of $59,990 prior to any tax credit deductions. This version is offered as an AWD trim, which includes Full Self-Driving (FSD) valued at $8,000, a Mobile Charger worth $275, premium interior materials, and special Launch Series badging and lighting throughout. Whether this added cost of $12,000 over the previous Long Range trim—which Tesla will still sell—will be justified is yet to be determined based on the initial video reviews for the 2025 Model Y that have emerged.
Enhanced Comfort and Design
The reviews for the Juniper model highlight a significant boost in ride comfort, thanks to the enhanced suspension system and new vented seating, along with an impressive 16-speaker audio setup. The seating has been slightly elongated for better comfort, and Tesla has motorized the rear split bench, allowing it to recline or fold down with a simple button press to maximize cargo space.
Attention to Detail
At first glance, the 2025 Model Y may seem merely a design refresh with its modern light bars, ambient lighting, and concealed speakers. However, reviewers of the Juniper refresh note that Tesla has meticulously focused on subtle details, transforming the vehicle into something that feels entirely new. For instance, the front seats adjust forward when the rear bench folds to optimize cargo space for headrests, before sliding back to restore front passenger space after the adjustment is done.
Upgrades and Features
Sawyer Merritt, a well-known figure who ordered the 2025 Model Y trim, has compiled an extensive list of the new features from various reviewer and buyer guides, illustrating the significant upgrades incorporated into the new Model Y. Although Tesla hasn’t made changes to the battery or charging speeds for the 2025 model, the long list of new features in the Juniper refresh is likely to maintain strong interest in their best-selling vehicle throughout the year.
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Tags: 2025 Juniper facelift, electric vehicle upgrades, Tesla Model Y
January 24, 2025
Tesla Announces 2025 Model Y Release with $599 Lease and FSD
Tesla has officially opened orders for the 2025 Model Y in the US, just as many were expecting. The price for the Juniper refresh starts at $59,990 before tax credits or any other incentives, but it does come with Full Self-Driving (FSD) included.
Release Date and Special Edition
The 2025 Model Y is scheduled to be released in the US in March, aligning with its launch in China and Europe. The Juniper facelift is available as the Launch Series Long Range AWD edition, featuring unique badging and complimentary FSD, which contributes to the higher cost.
Impressive Range Figures
Tesla claims that the new Model Y can achieve a range of up to 320 miles when equipped with the smaller, 19-inch Crossflow wheels. If you opt for the premium 20-inch Helix wheels, the range drops to 303 miles. These figures come from Tesla’s own testing, which tends to be stricter than EPA standards, so there might be a chance for the range to be adjusted upward by over ten miles.
The anticipated EPA range for the 2025 Model Y AWD could be quite similar to the 337 miles offered by the current RWD version in the US. In China, Tesla has indicated a 3% improvement in range for the facelift compared to the earlier model, according to local CLTC tests.
Design Enhancements for Better Efficiency
Tesla attributes the enhanced Juniper range to a “redesigned exterior with improved aerodynamics that unlocks better range, performance & longevity,” instead of introducing a new or larger battery. It remains unclear if the US Model Y Juniper will utilize Tesla’s own 4680 cells.
The 2025 Model Y is priced at $4,000 more than the current AWD version, even without considering the bundled FSD option. Although the Launch Series edition includes “exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, puddle lights, doorsill plates, and more,” along with upgraded materials in the seats and interior, it’s still pricier than the existing top-tier Performance trim.
Tax Credit and Leasing Options
Tesla still lists the Model Y Juniper as eligible for the federal tax credit, which likely explains the hurried announcement of a single trim that won’t be available until March. Early adopters of the 2025 Model Y can seize the $7,500 tax credit if they act quickly, as the new Trump administration has put a halt to any EV subsidy distributions until further notice, possibly eliminating the tax credit entirely.
Tesla might be prepared to make up for the potential loss of the tax credit for Model Y Juniper refresh buyers. Currently, they’re offering a lease option at $599 per month for the 2025 Model Y, factoring in a $100 “gas savings” and a mysterious “Tesla incentive” that is suspiciously equal to the $7,500 federal tax credit. Additionally, there’s a purchase option available for leased Model Y Juniper refresh vehicles.
Additional Benefits of the 2025 Model Y
Aside from the higher price of the Juniper facelift, the new 2025 Model Y brings various exterior, interior, and specification enhancements compared to the older Model Y, including the extended range on a single charge. Tesla has detailed all these improvements.
Tesla has also introduced the 2025 Model Y in Europe, featuring an exciting new AWD Launch Series Maximum Range version, which offers a longer range than the current RWD champion there—568 km (352 miles) compared to 565 km on the local WLTP cycle.
It’s possible this version could have the rumored larger 95 kWh battery for the 2025 Model Y, but its range can only be accurately compared to the US model once the official EPA estimates are released.
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Tags: Juniper, Model Y, Tesla
January 23, 2025
Model Y Prices Surge Ahead of Juniper Release Due to Tariffs
While Tesla is set to reveal the pricing and release date for the 2025 Model Y Juniper refresh in North America, possibly this week, buyers in the US and Canada might encounter significantly increased costs.
Changes in US Pricing
In the US, the Model Y Juniper could be available without the federal tax credit of $7,500. This is due to the new Trump administration’s request for a halt on all EV subsidies until a 90-day review is completed. Once this review is done, the federal agencies will provide recommendations on whether to eliminate the new EV tax credit and charging infrastructure aids altogether, with a strong possibility of that happening.
Price Hikes in Canada
Starting February 1, fans of Tesla’s popular Model Y in Canada will also see steep price increases. Tesla Canada has confirmed that the price of the Model Y will rise by CA$4,000 (approximately US$2,790). The Model 3 Long Range AWD and Performance trims will have even higher increases of CA$8,000 and CA$9,000, respectively.
Coincidentally, this date also marks when the Trump administration’s new tariffs against Canada and Mexico take effect. Canada plans to respond with import taxes on US goods. As a result, Tesla appears to be proactively raising prices for all Model Y trims in Canada by nearly CA$3,000 and doubling that for Model 3 prices.
Disadvantages for Canadian Buyers
Canadian consumers face a tough situation as Tesla buyers since their federal EV rebate expired last year. Additionally, the CAD has been falling sharply against the USD amid the looming tariff threats.
To add to the woes, Tesla has priced the 2025 Model Y Juniper refresh somewhat higher than the previous model in China. If it follows suit in North America, early buyers might be in for an unwelcome shock after enjoying a year of discounts and promotions that brought the Model Y price down to nearly $35,000 with combined rebates and incentives.
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Tags: EV tax credit, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
January 23, 2025
Robotaxi Tests Shuttle Service with Dummy Steering, Tesla Launches Cybercab Merch
Tesla is currently conducting tests for its Cybercab ride-share service at its Gigafactory in Texas, where mass production is expected to start in 2026, assuming Elon Musk can navigate the autonomous vehicle regulations effectively by that time.
Fleet Launch Plans
To begin, Tesla plans to utilize a fleet of its existing vehicles to provide a driverless shuttle service on the Cybercab platform for employees in Texas and California. This is part of the so-called unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) phase, which requires demonstration that the self-driving technology is safer than human drivers. Elon Musk insists this will all happen within the next three months, aiming to roll out unsupervised FSD by year-end in select cities across these two states.
Regulatory Challenges
However, even this stage of the Robotaxi rollout will face significant regulatory hurdles, not to mention the challenges for a fully driverless Cybercab that lacks both steering wheels and pedals. It remains uncertain whether Tesla can meet its self-imposed timeline. Musk’s optimism might be linked to his new role leading a fresh Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he claims will advance federal regulations for autonomous vehicles, benefiting all electric vehicle makers.
Public Sentiment and Speculation
Despite this, experts are doubtful about the likelihood of getting approval for any car without steering wheels or pedals on public roads in the near future. This is why a recent drone flight over Giga Texas that captured the Cybercab seemingly driving with what appeared to be a steering wheel generated so much excitement.
Many hoped Tesla would include a steering wheel at launch to expedite regulatory approval. Others speculated that this could be the much-anticipated Model 2/Q, which was supposed to launch before the Cybercab, and would be built on the same platform.
Reality Check
In truth, the supposed steering wheel was probably just an optical illusion, like a shadow of the A-pillar cast on the tinted windshield or a seat belt draped over a passenger dummy. The Cybercab appeared to be dropping off passengers and moving away, which are tests Tesla must conduct for its planned employee shuttle service.
Even if the object was indeed a steering wheel, it could have been an engineering control device, similar to those used by Tesla to navigate the Cybercab in settings like ramps or showrooms where it frequently appears. When asked how the Cybercab reached its spot at a recent Brussels auto expo, the Tesla team jokingly said “magic” with smiles, and then added, “if there’s a computer inside, anything is possible,” suggesting some manual control could be involved.
Merchandise for Fans
Regardless, it seems like the American public will have to wait quite a while before the Cybercab can provide ride-share services through Tesla’s dedicated platform on public streets. In the meantime, Tesla is rolling out special merchandise to keep its fans engaged until the launch.
The Cybercab is now featured in Tesla’s apparel store, with a black T-shirt showcasing its logo and silhouette on the front, and the Tesla wordmark on the back. The Cybercab Tee is priced at $40 and is said to be inspired by the Cybercab launch event to complement its gold exterior.
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Tags: Cybercab, FSD, Tesla
January 22, 2025
Tesla to Cut Insurance Costs for FSD with Automatic Reverse Feature
Elon Musk has made a commitment that Tesla will upgrade all HW3 computers in its older vehicles at no cost if they can’t run the new FSD 13 update in the promised unsupervised mode later this year. He has now mentioned a key step towards achieving that aim.
Upcoming Features for Older Tesla Models
Tesla cars equipped with the older Hardware 3.0 computers and cameras, which includes the majority of Tesla vehicles, will soon gain the ability to reverse into parking spots just like the HW4 models running FSD 13 already can. The FSD screen now even displays the reverse path, making the release of this feature just a matter of time.
This reversing capability has been notably absent in the older Tesla models with HW3 computers. Elon humorously suggested that this situation must be quite stressful for the AI in his electric cars.
Current Limitations and Future Improvements
As it stands now, HW3 Teslas can utilize FSD to navigate and position themselves in front of a parking space, but the driver still needs to manually shift into reverse. This requirement adds to the FSD disengagement figures, and Tesla needs to enhance these stats for compliance reasons if it hopes to launch unsupervised FSD this year or the Robotaxi next year, as claimed.
However, Tesla appears confident that it has mastered the complexities of autonomous driving. Recently, Elon Musk indicated that FSD will statistically be safer than human drivers within the next three months. While Musk is known for extending deadlines, Tesla is prepping for this possibility by considering reduced insurance rates for those who use FSD more frequently.
Enhancements to Safety Score Feature
A recent code decompile of Tesla’s iPhone app has revealed references to an update for the Safety Score feature. Currently, it only tracks the miles driven on FSD or Autopilot, but future updates will reportedly calculate these metrics in ratios and percentages.
Tesla owners who allow FSD to handle a greater portion of their driving will likely receive a higher Safety Score, which could lead to lower insurance costs.
At this time, these benefits would apply only to Tesla’s insurance, which is accessible directly through the app and available in a limited number of states. However, this may signal future changes if regulators become familiar with the data and validate Elon’s assertion that the FSD system will indeed be safer than human drivers.
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Tags: FSD 13, HW3, Tesla
January 22, 2025
Tesla’s New Drive-In Diner Supercharger: Latest App Update
Tesla is working on a unique drive-in diner Supercharger, where electric vehicle owners can place orders for food and drinks while enjoying movies displayed on two large screens. Waiters will serve customers on roller skates as their cars recharge. This large venue located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, is almost finished, with Tesla currently seeking permits for HVAC and plumbing.
New Features in the App
Recently, observant users discovered hints about the upcoming diner in the latest Tesla app update 4.41.0. The update features a Tesla Diner user interface and an associated icon. Additionally, there are coding mentions such as ‘DinerHomeScreen,’ ‘profile_settings_diner_description,’ and ‘View menu & amenities,’ which suggest that the diner is in the pipeline.
Opening Date Uncertain
While these clues indicate that Tesla is making headway, the company has yet to announce an official opening date for the drive-in diner Supercharger. Furthermore, California’s wildfires could potentially hinder Tesla’s plans moving forward.
Charging and Entertainment Schedule
Currently, Tesla has set up the main entrance and several Supercharger stations. EV drivers will have access to charging around the clock, but the movie screens will only be available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Other Developments in the Works
Moreover, additional insights from the code reveal that there might be an insurance discount linked to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature. On a related note, buyers of the Cybertruck may be let down to learn that the Automatic Tonneau covers and AC outlets might not come standard on all models.
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Tags: Cybertruck, Supercharger, Tesla
January 21, 2025
Kia Delays Tesla Supercharger Access for EV6 and EV9
Kia has pushed back the availability of DC fast chargers for customers in North America. Last year, the company mentioned that owners of the EV6 and EV9 electric vehicles would soon have access to over 16,500 North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC fast chargers across the US, including Tesla’s Superchargers.
New Timeline for Charger Access
Originally, in a press release from September, Kia stated that US customers would start utilizing these chargers from January 15th. However, on January 14th, the company announced a delay without providing a reason. The updated press release now indicates that customers will gain access sometime in “the first quarter of 2025,” meaning the delay could last until as late as March 31st.
Adapters Still Pending
Additionally, some Kia owners are still waiting for their complimentary NACS adapters, which are scheduled to ship in early 2025. These adapters will be sent to any US customer who bought a 2024 Kia EV6, a 2024 Kia EV9, or a 2025 Kia EV9 from September 4th, 2024. If you purchased a Kia EV6 or EV9 before this date, you’ll have the option to buy an adapter from a Kia dealer at a later time; the specific date has not yet been revealed. The upcoming 2025 Kia EV6 and the revised version of the 2025 Kia EV9 will be equipped with a native NACS port.
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Tags: EV6, EV9, KIA
January 21, 2025
2025 Model Y Juniper May Lose Tax Credit Due to Trump Order
Speaking during his inauguration, President Trump stated his administration will end the “EV mandate,” confirming earlier speculations.
When he later signed the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, it became evident that this could lead to an instant halt of the EV tax credit payments outlined in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Executive Order Details
Trump’s executive order discusses abolishing the EV mandate to create a fair competition between electric and gasoline vehicles. In Section 2 of the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, it defines the energy policies that US government agencies must follow, including a part that addresses electric vehicles:
To abolish the “electric vehicle (EV) mandate” and enhance real consumer choice, which is vital for economic progress and innovation, by removing barriers to vehicle access; by assuring a uniform regulatory environment for vehicle choices; by ending, where suitable, state emissions waivers that restrict the sale of gasoline vehicles; and by evaluating the removal of biased subsidies and other flawed government-imposed market disruptions that favor EVs over alternative technologies, effectively forcing individuals, businesses, and government bodies to purchase them by making other vehicle types too expensive.
Implications for EV Subsidies
By merely stating that agencies should “consider” ending electric vehicle subsidies, it appears the current tax credit program might continue for now. However, in Section 7, titled “Terminating the Green New Deal,” Trump’s executive order clearly states that “all agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act… including but not limited to funds for electric vehicle charging stations.”
It grants agency leaders 90 days to review the IRA program and suggest whether it aligns with the new energy policies of the Trump administration or if it should be cut. “No funds identified in this subsection shall be disbursed by a given agency until the Director of OMB and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy have determined that such disbursements are consistent with any review recommendations they have chosen to adopt,” the order emphasizes.
Future of EV Makers
Since the IRA was signed into law, it can’t be simply overturned by an executive order, meaning that any changes may still require a vote. However, the call for an immediate freeze on IRA-related payments could signal trouble for Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers.
For example, the 2025 Model Y orders in the US are anticipated to open this week. Even if Tesla continues to honor the tax credit rebate for early buyers of the updated model, it might lack access to the reimbursement funds, forcing it to decide if it will absorb the costs.
The 2025 Model Y Juniper is expected to be released in the US around March, similar to its launch in China and Europe. By the time potential buyers check out the reviews on the EPA range estimates after the first Juniper refresh, the tax credit might no longer be available.
Impact on Charging Infrastructure
The Trump administration is also eliminating subsidies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which could impede the pace of EV adoption in the US. Although the executive order reduces barriers to mining and refining materials for EV batteries domestically, Tesla may still qualify for subsidies for its lithium refinery or the 4680 battery that is likely to be used in the Model Y Juniper in the US.
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Tags: EV tax credit, Tesla Model Y, Trump Administration
January 21, 2025
“Rapid 1-Minute Charge: Durable LiS Solid-State Battery Development”
Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries boast a significant energy density and consist of materials that are easy to find. Nevertheless, their stability over many charge cycles and the slow exchange of electrons have hindered their practical use so far.
New Electrolyte Breakthrough
Recently, a new electrolyte has been developed that speeds up the chemical reactions in these solid-state batteries, addressing their issues and offering performance that outshines existing battery technologies. This solid electrolyte is composed of boron, sulfur, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine, resembling glass. It lacks a crystalline structure, yet it maintains a solid form while exhibiting liquid-like properties.
Collaborative Research Efforts
Researchers from China and Germany, particularly from Peking University, the University of Giessen, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, have demonstrated that this innovative battery can endure up to 25,000 charging cycles, depending on how fast it is charged. After this extensive use, the battery retains just under 80 percent of its capacity, which is quite typical.
In optimal conditions, the energy density can be nearly three times higher than that of conventional lithium-ion batteries. The study also highlights an impressive charging speed, suggesting that full charging can be achieved in less than 1 minute. More specifically, under certain conditions, a charging time of 24 seconds is feasible, while still achieving an energy density comparable to what current batteries offer.
Long-term Charge Cycles
On the flip side, to ensure the battery’s longevity, a complete charge cycle should ideally take 12 minutes. This means the solid-state battery could potentially be charged seven times a day for over a decade.
All these findings indicates that there remains a substantial amount of unexplored potential in battery research. However, it’s important to note that these results are based on lab experiments conducted on prototypes using experimental materials. It might take some time before this technology becomes available in a practical and, crucially, cost-effective manner.
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Tags: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Peking University, Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries
January 20, 2025
2025 Model Y Juniper US Release Date and Order Opening Soon
Tesla is reducing the prices of its Model Y vehicles in the US inventory, and this might be linked to the upcoming orders for the 2025 Juniper refresh in North America, which could start as early as this week. The launch of the Juniper in the US is expected to coincide with the launches in China and Europe, with the 2025 Model Y set to be released in March.
Upcoming Preorder Timeline
Insiders from the Austin Gigafactory, who accurately predicted the announcement week for the Model Y Juniper, have indicated that the preorder for North America will begin soon. Sources from Giga Texas, where the Model Y Juniper is set to be produced, suggest that Tesla will start taking orders “within ten days.” This points to potential release dates in the US being Friday, January 24, or Monday, January 27.
Launch Details
Instead of a formal announcement, Tesla simply made the ordering page available on its Chinese site on Friday, January 10. With the ten-day timeframe starting from January 18, US Model Y enthusiasts may see the Juniper launch by next Tuesday, with January 24 or the following Monday being likely dates for the new Model Y facelift’s debut in the US.
While this isn’t the actual release, it signifies the opening of 2025 Model Y Juniper orders on the US site, along with pricing and EPA range estimates. If US preorders start shortly after the Chinese launch, it suggests that Tesla aims for a simultaneous release across China, Europe, and the US, as rumored. The Berlin Gigafactory has already begun mass production.
No Delays Expected
This simultaneous launch indicates Tesla is not planning to delay the 2025 Model Y release in the US, unlike the Model 3 Highland launch. The Model 3 refresh was available in China by October 2023 but only arrived in the US three months later, citing a shortage of Hardware 4.0 autonomous driving kits and the need for crash tests as reasons.
Now that Tesla outfits all its new models with AI4 FSD hardware, the only possible delay for the Juniper release in the US might occur if Tesla introduces it with 4680 battery packs and cannot produce enough to meet the demand for both Cybertruck and Model Y Juniper orders.
With Tesla reducing Model Y inventory prices by up to $4,120, the company seems to be clearing out stock ahead of the Model Y Juniper release, anticipated for March, similar to China, pending regulatory approvals and EPA range testing.
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Tags: Model Y Juniper, price cut, Tesla