Tag: Tesla Model Y

March 16, 2025
Xiaomi YU7 Leak: Tesla Model Y Outshined by Gold-Plated SU7 Ultra
Key Takeaways
1. The Xiaomi YU7 SUV boasts a range of up to 770 km, surpassing the Tesla Model Y’s range by 50 km.
2. The starting price of the YU7 is expected to be around $34,500, which is $2,000 less than the Model Y in China.
3. The YU7 will offer different variants, including options with and without LiDAR, and will feature a 96.3 kWh battery pack.
4. The design of the YU7 carries over elements from the SU7, with an innovative interior instrument panel featuring an offset ultrawide screen strip.
5. CEO Lei Jun’s popularity in China, likened to Elon Musk, may have contributed to the success of Xiaomi’s first EV, the SU7, despite some issues with the gold-plated badges.
After achieving success in the market with its initial electric vehicle, the SU7, Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the YU7 SUV, which appears poised to compete directly with the latest Tesla Model Y.
Impressive Range Certification
A leak from the Chinese regulatory body equivalent to the FCC has revealed the top range version of the Xiaomi YU7, which surpasses the Model Y Long Range. The MIIT has certified that the YU7 can travel up to 770 km (CLTC), exceeding the Model Y’s range by 50 km.
Competitive Pricing
Even with its larger battery and extended range, the Xiaomi YU7 is anticipated to have a starting price of around $34,500, which is $2,000 less than the starting price of the Model Y in China.
The YU7’s extended range is supported by a 96.3 kWh battery pack, while Xiaomi has also filed for a performance 01.7 kWh nickel battery, likely intended for the top-tier YU7 AWD model, which boasts an impressive 691 horsepower.
Different Variants and Technology
Xiaomi has also registered versions with and without LiDAR, indicating that the more affordable RWD models might utilize vision-based autonomous driving technology, similar to what Tesla employs. For these models, Xiaomi has also certified an LFP battery.
On the exterior, the YU7’s design elements carry over from the SU7, featuring yellow brake calipers and raindrop-style headlights. However, the interior will showcase a fresh approach to EV instrument panels. Xiaomi has registered an offset ultrawide screen strip aimed at making it easier to monitor essential driving information without being a distracting secondary screen.
Xiaomi’s Reputation and Leadership
Xiaomi, known for its quality value products like Bluetooth speakers and Redmi smartphones, has a vast range of offerings, including home electronics and electric scooters, and has recently ventured into the automotive sector.
CEO Lei Jun has garnered a significant fanbase, often being compared to Elon Musk in China. This popularity may be one reason why the first EV, the SU7 sedan, became an instant success. Recently, Lei Jun introduced the high-performance SU7 Ultra version, which is not only cheaper but also quicker than the Tesla Model S Plaid.
However, he may have erred in mentioning that the Xiaomi emblem on the SU7 Ultra is gold-plated, as early buyers of this premium performance EV have reported thefts of their badges.
While Lei Jun quickly urged potential thieves not to act on their impulses, stating, “it’s not worth breaking the law over that amount of gold,” incidents of SU7 Ultra badges appearing in classifieds began to surface.
Upon examination, the gold content of the SU7 Ultra badge was determined to be worth only about thirty dollars, yet this did not deter people from attempting to steal them.
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Tags: SU7 Ultra, Tesla Model Y, Xiaomi YU7
March 15, 2025
Model Y Juniper: Brake-by-Wire & Heat Pump Features Explained
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s updated Octovalve SuperManifold heat pump improves cooling capacity but will not be available in all Model Y units immediately.
2. The new “hydraulic-by-wire” braking system features dual master cylinders, enhancing braking efficiency and energy recovery during driving.
3. The brake-by-wire system allows for better control and energy recuperation, with a hydraulic backup for safety.
4. Tesla claims the new braking system and smaller brake calipers contribute to increased efficiency, with a 5% improvement in range per charge for the Model Y Juniper.
5. The braking system design is innovative, resembling Mercedes’ one-box brake system, which also optimizes energy recovery and maintains consistent brake feel.
Tesla has launched an updated version of its Octovalve SuperManifold heat pump as part of the new 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh, which is now being delivered to customers. However, not all vehicles will have this upgrade immediately.
Enhanced Cooling Capacity
Tesla’s lead engineer, Lars Moravy, shared that a new LCCR filter system has been added to boost the cooling ability of the heat pump. Also, the SuperManifold heat exchange unit has been enhanced to a more efficient v2 version.
Notably, the SuperManifold v2 will not be included in every new Model Y unit. Whether it is present in the first batches will depend primarily on the factory it ships from. Lars mentioned in a chat with Sandy Munro, known as the Teardown Titan, that it may take a year before all buyers of the Model Y Juniper can be sure they’re receiving all the heat pump enhancements.
New Braking System Features
In addition to the heat pump upgrades, Tesla has introduced a “hydraulic-by-wire” braking system in the Juniper refresh. This system now has one master cylinder controlled by the driver and another solely managed by Tesla’s self-driving computer.
This configuration allows the brake pedal to remain steady while using Autopilot or FSD, and enables more efficient energy recuperation, even when the driver is manually applying the brake, based on the amount of force used.
On one side, the brake-by-wire system, which employs electric motor actuators on the booster side, offers a more seamless braking experience and enhances energy recovery. However, Lars pointed out that the hydraulic motion can still function as a backup for added safety when necessary.
Efficiency Gains and Competitors
The electric motor actuation also provides Tesla the ability to retract the brake pads slightly further than would typically be possible with just hydraulic braking, which reduces friction and leads to further efficiency improvements.
Tesla claims that this hydraulic-by-wire system, along with the smaller brake calipers, is a significant factor in the Model Y Juniper’s enhanced efficiency. Lars noted that no other car manufacturer has implemented by-wire brakes with such a level of decoupling, but it closely resembles the one-box braking system that Mercedes unveiled with its new CLA electric sedan, which is priced to rival the Tesla Model 3.
The all-electric CLA boasts a new one-box brake system that integrates previously separate components, such as the brake booster and master brake cylinder, into a compact unit. This system optimizes energy recovery during braking, thereby extending range. The by-wire design ensures a consistent and clear brake pedal feel for the driver, regardless of whether the braking involves recuperation or traditional friction methods. Furthermore, the new system adheres to the brand’s rigorous safety standards, automatically switching to hydraulic backup in case of a malfunction, ensuring safe braking at all times.
Despite the introduction of the new brakes and other efficiency enhancements, the Model Y Juniper refresh offers around a 5% increase in range per charge compared to the same battery used in its predecessor.
Source:
Link
Tags: hydraulic-by-wire braking, Octovalve SuperManifold, Tesla Model Y
March 14, 2025
Affordable Tesla Model Y E41 Launching Soon in the US
Key Takeaways
1. The new, more affordable Model Y refresh, internally called E41, is set for release in 2026 and will be smaller than the current Model Y with a 20% reduction in manufacturing costs.
2. The E41 model will maintain battery capacity and drivetrain performance but will feature a simpler interior, similar to the budget-friendly RWD Model 3 in Mexico.
3. Production is planned for North America and Europe, with potential sightings of a prototype indicating a miniaturized version of the Model Y.
4. Tesla is developing the E41 as a response to increasing competition in the EV market, particularly from cheaper models offered by brands like BYD and NIO in China.
5. The expected starting price for the E41 could be under $30,000, making it a strong competitor against emerging EV brands in the market.
The upcoming, more affordable Model Y refresh that Tesla is planning to release in late 2025 has now been updated with additional details, although the launch has been postponed to 2026.
Production Insights
Sources from within Tesla’s supply chain indicate that this new model will be smaller than the latest Model Y facelift and will see a 20% reduction in manufacturing costs at the Shanghai Gigafactory, which will be the first to receive orders.
Internally referred to as E41, this smaller, budget-friendly Model Y project has moved away from nicknames like “Juniper” or “Highland,” opting instead for a simpler coding system of numbers and letters, similar to the NV9X project that led to the creation of the Cybercab two-seater.
Specifications and Features
Earlier rumors suggested that the E41 would not compromise on battery capacity or drivetrain performance, implying that the affordability will come from a reduced size and a more basic interior. This approach mirrors Tesla’s strategy with the RWD Model 3 in Mexico, which comes with standard cloth seats that lack heating or ventilation, along with some other comfort features being omitted.
The smallest and most affordable Model Y version is expected to be manufactured in North America and Europe as well. This could clarify the sighting of a camouflaged prototype during a recent drone flight over Giga Texas, which appeared to be a miniaturized Model Y, creating some confusion about the yet-to-be-released Model 2. This model, which Elon Musk and Lars Moravy hinted would arrive later this year, is also anticipated to resemble a scaled-down Model Y rather than a typical hatchback.
Future Predictions
When Elon Musk hinted during a quarterly call that the upcoming cheapest Tesla Model 2 would be “smaller, to be certain,” he likely meant smaller than the Model 3. However, with Tesla now focusing on the E41 Model Y, all previous predictions about design may be irrelevant.
Alternatively, it’s possible that the Model 2 could be an even more compact version of the Model Y compared to the E41, featuring a smaller battery which could help Tesla achieve the competitive price range of $20,000-$25,000, especially with potential subsidies. Tesla’s lead engineer, Lars Moravy, mentioned, “the most difficult part of doing that is not making the cars worse, so I promise that they won’t be a massive step-down from the cars we sell today.”
In any event, Tesla is primarily developing the smaller, more affordable Model Y as a strategic move against the increasing competition in the EV market in China, where brands like BYD, NIO, and even Xiaomi are emerging with strong competitors that are cheaper and offer more than the latest Model Y.
This context sheds light on the tentative release date of 2026, as Tesla could likely rely on the demand for the Model Y Juniper refresh for a few quarters, driven by early adopters and customers looking to upgrade their older Model Y vehicles.
Currently, Tesla is only selling the $60,000 Launch Series Juniper edition in the U.S., with only older inventory units of the previous Model Y available. The company has yet to release the new Model Y in RWD and AWD configurations that are not bundled with FSD, making it too soon to determine the price for the smaller Model Y E41 when it potentially debuts in the U.S.
In China, the starting price for the refreshed Model Y is approximately $36,300. Given Tesla’s profit margins, a 20% reduction in manufacturing costs could mean that the E41 project launches at well under $30,000, positioning it as a strong competitor against BYD, NIO, or Xiaomi’s offerings in that market.
Source:
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Tags: E41, Model 2, Tesla Model Y
March 13, 2025
Tesla Plans Affordable Model Y Refresh If Juniper Facelift Fails
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has received 200,000 preorders for the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh in China, but actual order numbers may be lower than anticipated, potentially doubling the reported count.
2. Tesla is planning to launch a more affordable Model Y due to disappointing sales of the Juniper facelift, with only about 6,000 units shipped in the week after launch.
3. The new budget Model Y will retain the same battery and drivetrain as the Juniper refresh but will focus on cost reductions in other areas.
4. Tesla’s cost-cutting strategy, known as the “depop” method, simplifies product configurations while keeping key functions, as seen in the affordable Model 3 refresh in Mexico.
5. The budget Model Y is expected to debut in China later this year, aiming to boost sales after the initial demand for the Juniper refresh has declined.
Since the announcement of the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh, Tesla has reportedly received 200,000 preorders in China while the vehicle was still on the reservation list.
Reservation Discrepancies
However, according to Troy Teslike, an analyst focused on Tesla, the actual order numbers might be “twice as high as the real order count.” This suggests that the Juniper facelift preorders could be lower than Tesla anticipated. In February, when the company sold 30,688 cars in China, it apparently started strategizing to boost sales in this crucial market.
New Model Y Plans
Tesla is reportedly preparing to launch a more affordable Model Y to address the sales of the current Juniper facelift, which have not met its expectations. Unusually, the wait time for the new Model Y in China is quite short. In the week following its launch, only a little over 6,000 units were shipped, falling short of the nearly 10,000 units that were anticipated.
While this might relate to the ramp-up in production and may not indicate a drop in demand, Tesla is taking precautions by planning a budget-friendly Model Y trim.
Cost-Cutting Strategy
Industry insiders have stated that this new version won’t be a smaller or less capable iteration of the Model Y, unlike Tesla’s upcoming Model 2, which is set to debut later this year. Instead, Tesla intends to retain the battery and drivetrain used in the Juniper refresh but will look to reduce expenses in other areas.
This strategy is known as the depopulation or “depop” method. Tesla employs this approach to “quickly introduce products by simplifying configurations while maintaining key functions.”
For instance, the affordable Model 3 refresh released in Mexico featured cloth seats and omitted several features found in the original facelift. In that model, the cloth seats in the RWD version lack heating and ventilation, and several elements such as the rear display, colored ambient lighting, and the lid from the cupholders were removed. Additionally, the depop method makes use of acoustic glass solely on the front windows and eliminates steering wheel heating.
It remains unclear if the anticipated budget Model Y will adopt similar cost-cutting measures, but it is expected to make its debut in China in the latter half of the year to help increase sales once the initial Juniper adopters have largely exited the market.
Source:
Link
Tags: Juniper refresh, Lower-Priced Model Y, Tesla Model Y
February 27, 2025
Tesla Unveils New Model Y Juniper Refresh Early
Key Takeaways
1. Early Launch: Tesla has begun initial deliveries of the Model Y Juniper refresh in China ahead of the planned March release, signaling a positive outlook for the US launch.
2. New Features: The updated Model Y features design and interior changes, with a 5% improvement in range due to better power efficiency, but no changes to the powertrain or charging capabilities.
3. Cost Management: Design decisions aim to keep costs low for the best-selling Model Y, with potential future upgrades as Tesla achieves economies of scale.
4. Sales Challenges: Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 45% in January, leading to a new entry-level Model Y Juniper RWD priced at €44,990, while the longest-range model is available for €49,990 with delayed delivery.
5. Availability in China: The Model Y RWD can be ordered in China for about $36,310, including a limited-time extended warranty, with uncertainty about future pricing after February 28.
Tesla has hinted that the Model Y Juniper refresh will be available on February 26, and they have begun the initial deliveries in China today, just as they had promised.
Early Launch
Previously, Tesla planned to launch the new Model Y facelift in March, but they have successfully shipped it to customers earlier than expected. This early delivery is a positive sign for the upcoming US Juniper release as well.
New Features
Tesla kicked off Model Y deliveries with a promotional video showcasing updates in the vehicle’s design, aerodynamics, and interior. However, they did not mention any improvements to the powertrain, which remains unchanged.
The range of the new Model Y Juniper is around 5% better than the previous model, but this improvement comes from enhanced power efficiency rather than an increase in battery capacity. The SUV still supports the older 250 kW charging speed and lacks Tesla’s newer 48V low-voltage architecture.
Cost Management
Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, stated that these design choices are made to keep the costs of their top-selling vehicle low. However, they may introduce further upgrades over time as they achieve more economies of scale.
Tesla will cease the sale of the initial Model Y Juniper Launch Series in China, which included an extended warranty, by the end of the work week. They have already stopped offering it in Europe.
Sales Challenges
In January, Tesla’s sales in Europe fell by 45%, likely due to Elon Musk’s contentious political actions there. As a result, European customers can now purchase the entry-level Model Y Juniper RWD starting at €44,990.
Additionally, Europe has received the new Model Y with the longest range of 386 miles (WLTP) for €49,990. However, those who place a preorder can expect delivery only in May.
Availability in China
As of today in China, any customer can visit a Tesla store and order the Model Y RWD for about $36,310. This price includes the Launch Series with an extended warranty until February 28, and it remains uncertain if the new Model Y will become cheaper after that date.
Source:
Link
Tags: electric vehicles, Juniper refresh, Tesla Model Y
February 24, 2025
Tesla Launching Affordable Model 2 and Updated Model S, X in 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s affordable car, possibly named Model 2 or Q, is set to launch in 2025, with assurances that it will not be inferior to existing models.
2. The success of the budget-friendly vehicle will heavily depend on its pricing, estimated to be between $22,000 and $25,000 after subsidies.
3. The design is expected to be a smaller version of the Model Y, featuring a 54 kWh battery with a range of 250 to 300 miles per charge.
4. Tesla is also planning refreshed versions of the Model S and Model X later this year, with a complete lineup refresh expected in 2025.
5. Current production efforts are focused on ramping up the Model Y Juniper refresh, with more details about the Model 2 and S/X updates to follow after its launch.
Tesla’s affordable car is set to launch in 2025, and chief engineer Lars Moravy assures that it will be “not worse” than Tesla’s other models, regardless of its lower price.
“The hardest part of this is to ensure that these cars are not inferior, so I can guarantee that they won’t be a huge downgrade from our current offerings,” Moravy stated.
Price Point is Key
While Moravy’s comments may not be the most enthusiastic regarding the upcoming budget-friendly vehicle, often referred to as the Model 2 or Q, its success will definitely rely on its pricing strategy.
Before Elon Musk chose to unveil the Cybercab first and then aim for its mass-market five-seater version, the anticipated cost for the Model 2 was estimated to range between $22,000 and $25,000, although this would likely be after any subsidies were applied.
Given that the Cybercab is expected to be priced below $30,000, the Model 2 could very well be Tesla’s long-awaited $25,000 vehicle.
Specs and Design
In terms of design and specifications, reports suggest that it will resemble a smaller version of the Model Y, equipped with a 54 kWh battery that offers a range between 250 to 300 miles per charge, thanks to its lighter build. Recently, a drone flight over Giga Texas spotted a disguised test model that seemed to mirror a compact Model Y, leading to speculation that this is indeed Tesla’s prototype for the affordable car.
In addition to the budget vehicle, Tesla is also planning to release refreshed versions of the Model S and Model X later this year, according to Lars. “We’ll be working on those later this year since everyone here has a soft spot for the S/X,” he mentioned, hinting that a complete refresh of the Tesla lineup could be expected in 2025.
Focus on Production
For the moment, Moravy is completely concentrated on ramping up production for the Model Y Juniper refresh, which will utilize all four Tesla Gigafactories simultaneously. Thus, more information about the Model S/X updates or the economical Model 2 is likely to emerge only after the Model Y launch.
Source:
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Tags: Lars Moravy, Tesla Model 2, Tesla Model Y
February 22, 2025
Cheaper Model Y Juniper Now Available with Longest RWD Range
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has opened preorders for the affordable RWD Model Y Juniper version, priced at $60,000 in the US.
2. In Europe, the AWD Long Range version is available for €52,990, with the lowest-priced RWD model starting at €44,990.
3. The Long Range RWD model offers a range of 386 miles, but may not be available in the US due to battery sourcing restrictions.
4. The RWD Long Range variant is expected to launch later than premium versions, with availability anticipated by June.
5. The cheapest Model Y Juniper trim has a range of 310 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, set for release in May or June.
Tesla has recently opened preorders for the RWD Model Y Juniper version, which is the most affordable option. This comes shortly after they released a more expensive facelift version of the vehicle.
Pricing and Features in the US
In the United States, the Model Y Juniper is offered as a Launch Series edition priced at $60,000. This version includes Full Self-Driving (FSD), premium wheels, and unique badging.
European Market Launch
In Europe, where FSD is not available, Tesla has introduced the more costly AWD Long Range version for €52,990 in Germany, along with its less expensive RWD versions. Sales in that region may not be as strong, prompting Tesla to quickly make available all variants of the Model Y Juniper refresh, including the base RWD model. The lowest-priced 2026 Model Y trim is set at €44,990, which is 15% cheaper than the highest trim. An interesting aspect of the Model Y facelift is the exclusive Long Range RWD version, which is unlikely to reach the US market.
Long Range RWD Capabilities
This new Long Range RWD model offers a significantly larger battery, boasting an impressive range of 386 miles. However, it likely features an LFP battery sourced from Chinese manufacturers such as CATL or BYD, meaning it probably won’t be available in the US while federal tax credits for domestically made vehicles are in place. By contrast, the Long Range AWD Model Y Juniper can achieve 364 miles on a single charge, according to the European WLTP cycle, which is around 10% less strict than the EPA ratings used in the US.
Despite this, the 2026 Model Y Juniper LR AWD trim provides better range compared to its earlier version, which was rated for 600 km (373 miles) on 19-inch wheels under the same WLTP cycle. The current facelift utilizes the same batteries as its predecessor, so the enhanced range is attributed to improved aerodynamics and efficiency, rather than an increase in battery capacity, which Tesla claims would have made it too expensive for a mass-market electric vehicle like the Model Y, its best seller.
Release Timeline and Performance
Although Tesla has shared the specifications and pricing for the RWD Model Y Juniper variants to give European consumers an option for a lower-priced trim, these models will launch later than the premium versions. The RWD Long Range model, which boasts the best range, is expected to be available as late as June, even though early buyers can place an order right now for €49,990. This Long Range Model Y RWD variant is equipped with a more powerful rear motor and can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, despite the added weight of the larger battery.
On the other hand, the least expensive Model Y Juniper trim has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. While this might appear to be a minor trade-off for saving five grand, it also has the smallest battery and the shortest range, which is 310 miles on the WLTP cycle. Tesla has stated that the cheapest Model Y is expected to be released in May or June, unlike the premium Long Range AWD version, which is set for a March release.
Source:
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Tags: Juniper, RWD, Tesla Model Y
February 18, 2025
Tesla Model Y vs Xiaomi SU7: Shockingly Different Crash Damage
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla Model Y sustained minimal damage compared to the severely damaged Xiaomi SU7 after a collision in a tunnel in China.
2. The crash occurred when the Xiaomi SU7 collided with the rear of the Model Y, but details about the cause and passenger conditions remain unclear.
3. Tesla enthusiasts are highlighting the Model Y’s damage as evidence of its superior safety, but this perspective may be misleading.
4. The Xiaomi SU7 features an armored frame and crumple zone to protect passengers by absorbing impact during a crash.
5. Both vehicles are designed with safety mechanisms, and it is hoped that injuries were minimized in this incident.
Some images of a collision involving a Tesla Model Y and a Xiaomi SU7 have begun to appear on social media, primarily shared by Tesla enthusiasts who are eager to highlight the minimal damage sustained by the Model Y compared to the severely damaged SU7. The incident took place in a tunnel in China, with three of the four images (as shown below) captured at the crash scene, while the fourth displays the Xiaomi SU7 later in the daylight.
Details of the Crash
It seems the SU7 collided with the rear of the Model Y, but the exact reason for the crash and the condition of those inside the vehicles remains unclear. The Tesla Model Y exhibits some impairment on the rear and back bumper, whereas the front of the Xiaomi SU7 is completely wrecked. Nonetheless, even though some Tesla supporters argue this demonstrates the superior safety of the Model Y and raises questions about the quality of the Xiaomi electric vehicle, this perspective is misleading.
Understanding Vehicle Safety
The Xiaomi SU7 is equipped with an armored frame designed to safeguard its passengers, and, similar to many vehicles, features a crumple zone at the front: this area is intended to absorb impact during a crash. This design allows the car to decelerate more gradually and lessens the force experienced by the occupants, thereby enhancing their protection. The Tesla Model Y has received high safety ratings from various organizations, so the level of damage observed in the rear in the photos is somewhat anticipated. It is hoped that the safety mechanisms in both electric cars were adequate to minimize injuries in this incident.
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Link
Tags: Car Safety, Tesla Model Y, Xiaomi SU7
February 11, 2025
Tesla Model Y Juniper Gets Adaptive High Beam Headlights Upgrade
Key Takeaways
1. The new Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh will feature matrix headlights with adaptive high beams that adjust to prevent dazzling other drivers.
2. Adaptive headlights for the Model Y in the US are expected to be activated within a couple of months, with a software update for existing models and included in the 2026 refresh.
3. There is uncertainty about whether the adaptive high beam feature will be available at the Model Y’s launch in March.
4. The adaptive headlights will automatically adjust the beam for better visibility, dimming specific pixels when other vehicles are nearby.
5. Tesla has faced regulatory challenges in the US, but it is anticipated that the adaptive high beams will be activated soon.
The new Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh is set to feature matrix headlights and will include adaptive high beams that automatically turn off certain pixel patterns to prevent dazzling other drivers.
Adaptive High Beams Coming Soon
European versions of Teslas, like the Model 3 Highland refresh, have had the adaptive high beams for some time now. However, the US regulations are lagging a bit behind.
Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer, mentioned that the adaptive headlights feature for the Model Y in the US will be activated “in a couple of months.” Existing Model Y vehicles with matrix headlights will receive this update through software, while the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come equipped with the adaptive headlights software right from the start.
Release Date Uncertainty
It’s still unclear whether the new Model Y facelift will have the adaptive high beam feature available when it launches in March, or if the “couple of months” refers to this model as well. The headlights on this new model are positioned a few inches lower than the previous Model Y and do not integrate into the front light bar.
Initially, the update for Tesla’s adaptive headlights in the US will enable automatic high beam switching when passing another vehicle, according to Lars Moravy. The pixel pattern will then adjust to provide an optimal balance between visibility and consideration for other drivers.
Improving Driving Experience
“When Adaptive Headlights is enabled,” Tesla states, “the beam of the headlights adjusts automatically to improve your driving view.” This includes dimming specific pixels of the high beams when other traffic is nearby, automatically switching from low to high beams on the highway, and adjusting the beams around corners.
Tesla has been discussing the introduction of adaptive high beams in the US for quite some time, and 2025 might finally see the actual launch of this sought-after feature.
The delay is due to the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 being stricter than the vehicle headlight regulations in Europe. The rules require that “the adaptive driving beams must be designed to conform to the photometry requirements of Table XXI when tested according to S14.9.3.12,” among other complex stipulations.
Navigating Regulations
Navigating these regulatory challenges is no small feat, but Tesla appears to have successfully maneuvered through the bureaucratic hurdles in the US and is expected to activate the Model Y’s adaptive high beams soon.
Source:
Link
Tags: Adaptive Headlights, matrix headlights, Tesla Model Y
February 9, 2025
Tesla Unveils Long Range Model Y with Efficient Low Resistance Tires
Tesla has made major enhancements to the wheels of the new 2026 Model Y Juniper facelift, now featuring the most efficient tires they’ve ever designed.
Improved Tire Performance
The tires on the new Model Y showcase very low rolling resistance while also providing improved handling and, importantly, reduced road noise, according to Tesla.
Enhanced Cabin Quietness
In addition, the company has upgraded the cabin’s insulation with features like acoustic glass installed all around, a more efficient fan for the air conditioning system, and carpeting that extends throughout the interior, even in the cupholders. These changes contribute to a notably quieter cabin experience in the Model Y Juniper refresh.
Additional Efficiency Features
However, the redesigned 2026 Model Y wheels offer more than just quietness. Alongside the new streamlined exterior and updated brake calipers, these enhancements lead to a lower coefficient of drag, further boosting overall efficiency.
With a 10% increase in efficiency, the new Model Y facelift boasts an official range of 327 miles, as certified by the EPA. This estimate represents over a 5% longer range on a single charge compared to the previous AWD Model Y.
Future Range Expectations
If the 2026 Model Y RWD Long Range variant achieves the same level of efficiency enhancement, it could reach around 353 miles of EPA range—this would be the longest range ever for a Model Y.
Prospective 2026 Model Y Juniper owners will benefit from the extra miles on a single charge, as the vehicle utilizes the same older 400V powertrain as its predecessor. This limitation means it won’t be compatible with Tesla’s latest V4 Superchargers, which currently deliver 325 kW and are set to be upgraded to 500 kW this year.
Affordability Considerations
Tesla explained that they chose not to include a larger battery or quicker charging system to keep the Model Y Juniper at a relatively affordable price point. As a result, the Cybertruck remains the only Tesla passenger vehicle equipped with the modern 800V architecture that will be on the roads for the foreseeable future.
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Tags: 2026 Juniper facelift, electric vehicle efficiency, Tesla Model Y