Tag: Model Y Juniper

  • Tesla Model Y Performance Facelift: Faster Acceleration & 7-Seater

    Tesla Model Y Performance Facelift: Faster Acceleration & 7-Seater

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Model Y Juniper Performance trim will be released later this year, featuring a facelift and a 7-seat option for families and groups.
    2. Tesla’s self-driving vehicle pilot program in Austin will begin in June, testing Full Self-Driving technology in a ride-sharing service.
    3. The Model Y’s 7-seat layout includes an automated rear bench that folds for extra cargo space, although the automation of the smaller seats is still uncertain.
    4. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD will have 455 horsepower and improved performance, potentially exceeding the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
    5. A unique 6-seat variant of the Model Y may be introduced for the Chinese market, aligning with the U.S. 7-seater launch timeline.


    The release of the Model Y Juniper Performance trim is expected later this year, according to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer. The facelift for 2026 will also introduce a 7-seat option, making it perfect for large families or groups going on road trips.

    Useful Family Features

    The Model Y Juniper 7-seater will be especially beneficial when Tesla rolls out its fleet of self-driving vehicles in Austin in June. This pilot program for robotaxis aims to test the functionality of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology while operating a ride-sharing service without human drivers, setting the stage for the upcoming Cybercab launch in 2026. The initial phase will likely include the Model 3 and Model Y facelifts.

    Enhanced Usability

    This new Juniper refresh with a 7-seat layout is designed to help transport families with young kids or groups of friends, depending on how spacious the seats actually are. It features an automated rear bench that can fold forward to create more cargo room with just a button press. However, it’s still unclear how automated the additional two smaller seats will be.

    Moreover, the updated Model Y can detect when the front seats are pushed too far back. It adjusts the seats while the rear bench folds to make space for the headrests and create a flat cargo area, then returns the front seats to their original positions.

    Performance and Specifications

    Another exciting update is the inclusion of a high-performance variant, similar to the previous model. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD is reported to have 455 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, placing it on par with the existing Performance trim, as noted by Moravy.

    The acceleration for the 2026 Model Y Performance could surpass the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds due to the Juniper refresh being slightly lighter, more efficient by 10%, and having a better drag coefficient compared to its predecessor.

    Recently, the Performance trim of the Model Y was observed undergoing tests in California, suggesting that a release date in Q2 is highly likely, following the Launch Series edition deliveries scheduled to start in March.

    For the 7-seat version of the 2026 Model Y, there were early speculations it would debut in the holiday quarter. Additionally, Tesla may create a unique 6-seat variant specifically for the Chinese market, potentially launching around the same time as the US 7-seater configuration.

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  • 2026 Tesla Model Y: Official Name for Juniper Refresh Release

    2026 Tesla Model Y: Official Name for Juniper Refresh Release

    When Tesla revealed its eagerly anticipated Model Y Juniper refresh, it dubbed it the New Model Y Launch Series edition. This version comes equipped with FSD and special badging, resulting in a higher price for those who are quick to grab the facelift, which is set to be available in March.

    The full designation of this first refresh is the New Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series edition. However, the official model year for the Juniper refresh has leaked, stirring up some debate.

    Confusion Over Model Year

    A picture of the California emissions compliance label for the new Model Y has surfaced, where Tesla identifies the refreshed version as the 2026 Model Y. Before the announcement, and even now, many speculated it would be called the 2025 Model Y, especially since it was unveiled in January with a spring launch planned.

    Interestingly, Tesla already has a 2025 Model Y, which refers to the existing units of the former design that have been produced since November 2024. These units have an S as the 10th digit of the VIN and include some of Tesla’s ongoing hardware improvements, which they thought justified a new model year.

    Marketing Tactics

    Thus, like many car manufacturers, Tesla now labels a vehicle launched in the current year as the following model year. This means the 2026 Model Y will officially be the name for the Juniper refresh upon its release, while the first batches of the New Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series edition are quickly being snatched up by early buyers.

    This is a familiar tactic that keeps consumers subconsciously feeling like they possess the latest model from their preferred automotive brand for over a year, allowing Tesla to maintain its strategy at least until 2027.

    Design and Performance

    Ultimately, the Model Y Juniper facelift primarily consists of design updates with a few new lighting options added. Therefore, Tesla must keep it appealing to consumers. However, it still features the same battery with the same slow charging speeds as its predecessor, indicating that 2027 might be the furthest Tesla can go before introducing a more advanced powertrain for its top-selling vehicle.

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  • Model Y Prices Surge Ahead of Juniper Release Due to Tariffs

    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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  • 2025 Model Y Juniper US Release Date and Order Opening Soon

    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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  • 2025 Model Y Juniper Glacial Blue Photos Show No Multi-Coat Paint

    2025 Model Y Juniper Glacial Blue Photos Show No Multi-Coat Paint

    Tesla has introduced its refreshed Model Y Juniper with a limited availability, featuring a pure Black color option. However, they have introduced a new color called Glacial Blue, which adds some variety to the lineup.

    New Color Option

    The Glacial Blue shade bears some resemblance to the intricate multi-coat Quicksilver color but is noticeably lighter and has a blueish tint unlike any other blue options previously offered by Tesla for its electric vehicles.

    Paint Quality Concerns

    It remains uncertain whether the Glacial Blue for the Model Y Juniper is a multi-coat paint. Initial images captured in China, under bright winter sunlight, suggest that it might not be. The color lacks the typical “metallic and dark undertones” found in Tesla’s Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red multi-coat options that originate from their advanced paint facility in Giga Berlin. In reality, the Glacial Blue appears somewhat flat.

    Promotions and Pricing

    In Australia, Tesla is running a promotion that allows buyers to choose any Model Y Juniper color for free, including the new Glacial Blue. However, in China and various regions in the Asia-Pacific, where the Juniper version is available for preorder, this fresh color comes with an additional cost.

    As is customary, the only complimentary option in Tesla China is the Stealth Gray, also known as “Starry” Gray. All other colors, including the Pearl White multi-coat, cost an extra $1,100. The Glacial Blue color for the Model Y Juniper shares the same price point, while the Quicksilver and “Flame Red” multi-coat options are 50% more expensive.

    Market Demand

    This suggests that the Glacial Blue color may not have the dynamic effects typical of multi-coat paints, such as shimmer or color changes depending on light angles. This is evident from the initial real-world photos of the Model Y in Glacial Blue. Nevertheless, a new color is still appealing, and on the launch day alone, Tesla received 50,000 orders for the Model Y Juniper in China, even though it won’t be released until March.

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  • Tesla Model Y Juniper Returns to the US Market Again

    Tesla Model Y Juniper Returns to the US Market Again

    Tesla has introduced the eagerly awaited Model Y “Juniper” in China. Although the company hasn’t started accepting orders locally, recent sightings of a prototype suggest that it might be available soon.

    Exciting Prototype Sightings

    A user on X, known as @Teslaconomics, shared a video showcasing a covered Model Y “Juniper.” This vehicle was seen in Santa Clara, California, where both the front and rear bumpers were wrapped. Given that Tesla’s engineering headquarters is nearby, it makes sense that the new Model Y would be undergoing testing in this area.

    Ongoing Concealment

    Observers in the Bay Area noted some Model Ys with their front and rear parts hidden as late as 2024. It’s quite curious that Tesla still covers the prototypes, even though the updated version is set to debut in China, with deliveries expected by March 2025.

    Global Availability Still Uncertain

    Tesla has yet to announce when the Model Y “Juniper” will be ready for sale in the United States or other parts of the world. If the company’s release strategy for the Model 3 “Highland” is any indication, U.S. customers might only have to wait a few months before they can start placing orders.

    The update for the Tesla Model Y “Juniper” includes a new wide-view front camera, bringing the total camera count to eight. Some exterior modifications are also present, such as updated bumpers, light bars at both the front and back, along with aerodynamic enhancements. Inside, improvements feature a rear display screen akin to the one in the Model 3 “Highland,” ventilated seating, and better sound insulation for a more peaceful ride.

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  • 2025 Model Y Juniper Battery Capacity Leak: Minimal Range Boost

    2025 Model Y Juniper Battery Capacity Leak: Minimal Range Boost

    The recent announcement of the two Model Y Juniper versions has left some Tesla fans feeling let down regarding the battery sizes.

    Battery Expectations

    Before the reveal, there were whispers that the Model Y Juniper would feature a more spacious 95 kWh battery on the high-performance model and a new 66 kWh manganese phosphate M3P battery from CATL for the entry-level RWD variant. However, a report discussing the lukewarm response from Xiaomi’s CEO to the Juniper news showed that the anticipated battery capacity for the 2025 Model Y has remained mostly unchanged.

    Current Specifications

    The 2025 Model Y Juniper AWD Long Range is said to utilize a battery pack with a usable capacity of 78.4 kWh, which translates to around 80 kWh in total battery size. This is the same capacity as the existing Long Range and Performance models available in the US. On the other hand, the base RWD Model Y Juniper will not be available in the US market due to its Chinese LFP cells from CATL, yet it features a 62.5 kWh usable capacity, slightly above the earlier 60 kWh pack of the Standard Range Model Y that was previously sold in the US.

    Range Insights

    This situation accounts for the 2025 AWD Model Y offering just about a 3% increase in range compared to its predecessor, while the RWD model, which has a marginally larger battery, boasts a 7% improvement in range. Nonetheless, it appears that both RWD and AWD Model Y Juniper trims gain their range benefits more from design improvements and powertrain efficiency rather than just larger battery sizes.

    Tesla mentions that they’ve completely overhauled the exterior design, from the front bumper to the taillights, to maximize efficiency and extend the range from every charge. The Model Y Juniper is designed to be lighter than its predecessor, with enhanced aerodynamics, and the company emphasizes that it has been “redesigned from front to back to improve range, performance and longevity.”

    Future Expectations

    In summary, the minimal range improvement of the 2025 Model Y Juniper compared to the earlier model can be attributed to slight enhancements in drivetrain efficiency and a lower drag coefficient of 0.22, down from the previous 0.23. Enthusiasts hoping for a bigger battery in the Model Y Juniper refresh may need to wait for the US version, which is expected to feature Tesla’s 4680 battery technology from the Cybertruck. This version may finally offer the rumored larger 95 kWh battery pack for the pricier AWD and Performance models.

    However, any substantial upgrade in battery capacity will likely come with a price hike. There’s skepticism from CATL regarding Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for reducing manufacturing costs of the 4680 battery cells, with its CEO expressing doubts about achieving such significant cost cuts.

    Tesla could potentially offset these costs with federal tax credits for its domestically produced batteries, which might allow the 2025 Model Y to launch in the US with an improved range, not just for bragging rights.

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  • New Model Y Juniper Facelift Offers 6 and 7 Seat Options

    New Model Y Juniper Facelift Offers 6 and 7 Seat Options

    Last August, a reliable source regarding Tesla’s plans in China indicated that the Model Y Juniper facelift would debut there in March.

    Tesla’s Announcement
    Today, Tesla confirmed this refresh, now referred to as the New Model Y. The information from the source was accurate, as Tesla stated that “deliveries are expected to begin in March, pending regulatory approval.”

    New Configurations
    The source also mentioned a seven-seat Model Y Juniper version would be available, which isn’t surprising. Interestingly, China might also receive a unique six-seat Model Y refresh version. On the Model Y Juniper ordering page, the refresh shows a “seat layout” selection beneath the options for 19-inch standard or 20-inch Helix wheels for the first time. Currently, only a 5-seater version exists, but the new seating option suggests more configurations are on the way.

    Future Launches
    Tesla plans to roll out the 7-seat Juniper model in the last quarter of 2025, alongside a new 6-seat layout that is quite sought after by car owners in China. Several family vehicles there provide six full-size seats, unlike the typical 2-3-2 setup with a tight third row found in the current 7-seat Model Y.

    This may hint at Tesla’s intention to offer a seating layout choice, rather than merely adding a 7-seat configuration as an additional option. However, it’s uncertain whether the potential 6-seat Model Y Juniper refresh will be available outside of China, as that configuration isn’t as favored in other regions.

    Upgraded Features
    The new Model Y Juniper facelift features significantly enhanced seats, offering ventilation in the front and power reclining for the back seats, along with an electrically folding bench that creates a large cargo area. The redesigned Juniper seats also have a different shape, featuring sharper headrest padding with contrasting stitching.

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  • Best Model Y Juniper Refresh Images: New Seats & Light Bar Turn Signals

    Best Model Y Juniper Refresh Images: New Seats & Light Bar Turn Signals

    The new Model Y Juniper facelift has been seen being tested in multiple locations including the US, UK, and China, suggesting that an announcement about its release is imminent.

    Production Insights

    Reports from the Berlin Gigafactory indicate that Tesla will manufacture the 2025 Model Y Juniper for Europe there. Employees are being called to a meeting next week to discuss the launch. However, the main production site is likely to be Tesla’s Giga Shanghai, which is now reportedly producing around 600 Model Y Juniper units daily after starting trial runs back in October.

    Spy Shots Reveal Details

    Spy shots of the Model Y Juniper taken in Palo Alto have been captured from a distance. These images suggest that the turn signals are integrated into the light bars of the vehicle. This observation is echoed by some of the clearest photos of the Juniper refresh leaked so far, showing a camouflaged test mule in the UK.

    In addition to the integrated turn signals, these images reveal new shapes for the seats and steering wheel that differ from the current Model Y. The “squircle” design of the steering wheel bears a resemblance to the unique yoke design seen in the Cybertruck. It remains unclear if there will be a traditional round steering wheel available as an option.

    Features and Upgrades

    It seems almost guaranteed that the steering wheel will include turn signal buttons, as Tesla plans to adopt the minimalist, stalkless design from the Model 3 Highland interior, along with adding ambient lighting.

    The stitching on the seat headrests also appears to be different, featuring a sharper design compared to the existing Model Y seats. This might align with the rumored more aggressive exterior design inspired by the 2023 Highland facelift. Reports suggest that the Model Y Juniper will be equipped with vented seats similar to those in the Highland variant, which could account for their new shape.

    The refresh showcased in the photos is fitted with Tesla’s well-known 20-inch wheels. However, it’s possible that more wheel and tire options could be available when the refresh is officially unveiled later this month. An announcement about the Model Y Juniper facelift is anticipated soon, with specifications likely including a larger battery and more efficient motors that could offer over 400 miles of range on a single charge.

    Charging Improvements

    Additionally, faster charging for the Model Y Juniper is expected, as Tesla has stated that the advanced 800V powertrain and 48V low-voltage systems from the Cybertruck will be integrated into its upcoming models. This aligns perfectly with the rollout of Tesla’s new 500 kW V4 Superchargers that are set to come online this year.

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  • Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla might soon unveil the Model Y Juniper facelift, potentially as early as next week. This refreshed model is expected to feature a redesigned side mirror, a front that resembles the Model X with its logo, and a new rear light bar.

    New Design Features

    The speculations about these updates arose after a recent sighting of the camouflaged Model Y Juniper driving at high speeds on the highway during heavy rain. In addition to the fresh design aspects, the performance of the facelift’s body on the slick road suggests that it may come with a new, more comfortable suspension. This is something current Model Y drivers have been asking for quite some time now.

    Wiper Functionality

    For the first time, the Model Y Juniper’s wipers were seen in action. However, the focus is not just on how well the wipers clean the windshield at high speeds. Instead, attention is on how the automatic wiper system behaves in autonomous driving mode. Tesla’s wipers have had their share of issues, often working too hard in sunny conditions or failing to adjust to varying rain intensities since they depend solely on the vehicle’s cameras. The wipers on the Model Y Juniper appeared to be cleaning effectively, but we will need to wait until next month, when the refresh is launched from Giga Shanghai, to see how they perform in real-world conditions.

    Rear Light Bar Innovation

    In a clearer observation of the Model Y Juniper facelift, we can see its new rear light bar in operation. Tesla has made an opening in the camouflage tarp for the midsection of the light bar, which seems to function as a third brake light and extends across the rear. This change hints at a more streamlined and aggressive look, reminiscent of the design approach taken with the Model 3 Highland facelift released last year.

    Moreover, a larger 95 kWh battery option is rumored to be part of the package. This, combined with a new 4th-gen Tesla motor, is expected to provide a greater range on a single charge for the Model Y Juniper.

    Powertrain Upgrades

    Under the hood, Tesla may have also upgraded the powertrain with modern 800V high-voltage and 48V low-voltage systems, which were first seen in the Cybertruck. However, it remains unclear whether the Model Y Juniper will also incorporate the Cybertruck’s second-generation 4680 battery, as concerns about its cost and performance have been raised by CATL, suggesting that Elon Musk may be overly optimistic.

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