Tag: Tesla Model Y

  • Improved Model Y Range: Quieter A/C and Enhanced Panoramic Roof

    Improved Model Y Range: Quieter A/C and Enhanced Panoramic Roof

    The updated Tesla Model Y Juniper facelift maintains the same battery as the earlier model, but it now boasts an official EPA range estimate of 327 miles on a single charge, which is a 5% improvement compared to its predecessor.

    Efficiency Enhancements

    According to Tesla engineers, this boost in range can be attributed to several efficiency enhancements made in both the vehicle’s design and energy use within the cabin. The more aerodynamic exterior design contributes to a lower drag coefficient, thanks to the updated styling and new brake calipers. Additionally, improvements in power management for cabin comfort features have also been unveiled.

    Cabin Comfort Upgrades

    One notable advancement is the cabin A/C system, which now functions effectively at lower fan speeds. This is made possible by innovative oscillating air vents that move side to side, allowing for better distribution of hot or cold air. Furthermore, the newly designed panoramic glass roof includes a double silver coating that enhances thermal insulation, requiring less energy for heating or cooling the cabin.

    Sound Reduction Features

    Interestingly, the upgrades aimed at enhancing HVAC efficiency, such as reduced fan speeds and improved air distribution, also contribute to Tesla’s goal of achieving a quieter cabin in the 2026 Model Y Juniper facelift. The company has added carpets throughout the interior, including in the cupholders, side trims, and trunk lids, to minimize rattling sounds.

    In combination with new acoustic glass used in the Model Y Juniper refresh, these changes have resulted in a notable decrease in cabin noise, which is sure to please those who want to enjoy the upgraded audiophile-grade sound system.

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  • Model Y Juniper Refresh EPA Range Test: Longer Charge, Same Battery

    Model Y Juniper Refresh EPA Range Test: Longer Charge, Same Battery

    When Tesla launches the 2026 Model Y Juniper facelift in March, it promises a longer distance on a single charge, according to the official EPA test estimates. The updated Model Y will deliver a 5% improvement in range compared to the earlier AWD model.

    No Battery Capacity Boost

    In a chat with two engineers from Tesla who were involved in the revamped Model Y, they revealed that there’s no increase in battery capacity for this facelifted version. Tesla aimed to keep the facelift economical and ensure fast charging, which is why it maintains the same battery systems and 250 kW charging setup, still using the older 400V powertrain found in its predecessor.

    Internal Testing vs. EPA Estimates

    When Tesla unveiled the New Model Y Long Range AWD Launch Series edition, which is the only trim available for order at the moment, it claimed it could achieve a range of 320 miles on a single charge. However, this figure is based on Tesla’s internal testing, which tends to be more rigorous than the EPA evaluations used for official estimates.

    For example, the refresh of the Model 3 initially showed a range of 305 miles based on Tesla’s testing, but this was later adjusted to 316 miles once it received the official EPA rating. Last year, Tesla even paused sales of the 2025 Model Y AWD as it needed to comply with the EPA’s revised range testing procedure, which better reflects typical American driving patterns.

    Improved Efficiency Features

    This process led to an improved range once the official figures were released, and a similar situation has now arisen with the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh, which boasts a 5% increase in range. Given that the older AWD model is rated for 311 miles, the new Model Y facelift should achieve approximately 327 miles of EPA range on a single charge, which should soon be confirmed in its official specifications as well.

    Tesla has also reduced the drag coefficient of the Model Y Juniper refresh design from 0.23 Cd to 0.22 Cd, along with lowering its clearance. However, it’s not solely the aerodynamics that contribute to the longer range.

    The Tesla engineers highlighted that lighter brake calipers and reduced tire resistance are also significant factors in enhancing the Model Y’s efficiency. They even examined how long the LED light in the center console would stay on, all in the name of energy conservation for this update.

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  • Model Y Juniper Facelift Panel Gaps and Light Bar Parallax Issues

    Model Y Juniper Facelift Panel Gaps and Light Bar Parallax Issues

    Just like many other car manufacturers, especially those from Asia, Tesla is jumping on the trendy light bar trend to give the updated Model Y Juniper a fresh appeal.

    They’ve added a distinctive reflective light bar at the back, along with a front light bar similar to the one seen on the Cybertruck or Cybercab. This front bar includes headlights and turn signals, making it quite unique.

    Rear Light Bar Features

    The rear light bar provides a gentle and spread-out light that helps illuminate the area behind the Juniper refresh during nighttime driving. On the other hand, the front light bar has a more conventional design, but sadly, it is segmented.

    Instead of having a continuous light strip across the front like the Cybertruck, Tesla opted to divide it into three sections to accommodate the headlights and turn signals on either side.

    Design Concerns

    This segmented approach results in a less streamlined appearance compared to the Cybertruck, where the headlights are mounted significantly lower. It also creates some visual inconsistencies.

    When you look from one side of the hood gap to the other, the spacing of the light bar between the two sections seems misaligned, reminding some of Tesla’s previous issues with panel gaps.

    Despite this, the manufacturing quality of the Model Y Juniper vehicles currently showcased at Tesla showrooms is not in question, mainly due to a common optical illusion.

    Manufacturing Quality Insights

    The gap in the hood panel seems misaligned with the interruption of the light bar at its end, which is primarily caused by the parallax effect. This effect, measured by the angle of inclination, causes a noticeable shift in the appearance of an object when viewed from two different angles.

    Tesla could have easily avoided this by using a single uninterrupted light bar or by considering the visual effects of parallax while inspecting the vehicle. The mass production of the refreshed Model Y is set to begin this month at all four major Gigafactories, meaning it may be too late for design modifications on the first units that will be available in a few weeks.

    While this may seem like a minor issue, Tesla might eventually choose to adjust the positioning of the light bar along the hood’s gap line, along with addressing any other minor issues that will likely arise in the weeks and months following the release of the 2026 Model Y facelift.

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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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    2026 Tesla Model Y: Official Name for Juniper Refresh Release
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  • Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Automotive industry experts have been signaling for quite some time that while electric vehicles could be less expensive to manufacture and maintain, increasing repair expenses and insurance rates might negate those benefits.

    Study Findings

    A recent study highlights that the Tesla Model 3 ranks as the most economical car to own among the top-selling mass market vehicles in the United States, with the Model Y also making it into the top ten of this list.

    The total yearly ownership cost of the Model 3 sits at $5,061, which is just $43 less than the next vehicle on the list, a gasoline-powered Hyundai Elantra. Following closely is the Toyota Corolla, which has annual expenses of $5,182, not much above that of the Model 3.

    Cost Breakdown

    The small difference in yearly ownership costs between Tesla’s least expensive electric model and others is largely because its low fuel and upkeep expenses are outweighed by its elevated premiums, fees, and taxes.

    For instance, the typical cost to insure a Tesla Model 3 in the U.S. is $2,241, compared to $1,511 for a Corolla. Moreover, Model 3 owners shell out an average of $1,041 for fees and taxes, double what Hyundai owners generally pay.

    Tesla Model Y Comparison

    Similarly, the Tesla Model Y, which ranks as the seventh most cost-effective vehicle to operate in the U.S., has its low charging costs of $708 and maintenance fees of $1,339 overshadowed by its hefty insurance premiums of $2,399 annually, second only to the Model S.

    Indeed, Tesla vehicles are the priciest to insure among mass-market cars in America, and the study does not even take into account the Cybertruck, which is not classified as a best-selling mass-market vehicle.

    Insurance Challenges

    The high insurance costs are attributed to the scarcity of parts, the complex gigacast components that are hard to repair, and the expensive battery replacements that often lead insurers to declare an EV a total loss after a serious accident instead of repairing it.

    Rental company Hertz faced this reality when it ordered 100,000 Model 3 cars from Tesla and quickly flooded the second-hand market with them just two years later, citing price declines, slow repair processes, and soaring insurance expenses.

    Rising Taxes

    Moreover, many states have begun to increase road taxes on electric vehicles, arguing that their heavier weight causes more wear and tear on public roads, contributing to the growing expenses of EV ownership.

    Nonetheless, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y do have one clear advantage over gasoline-powered vehicles: their yearly fuel and maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of internal combustion engine cars.

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  • 2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    The 2025 Model Y refresh is set to launch in March, marking five years since the first version, and preorders in the United States are already underway, with plenty of reviews coming in from Juniper.

    Reviews on Design and Features

    The initial reviews for the 2025 Model Y focused on its exterior aesthetics, driving experience, and interior design. Reviewers also went over a list of new features and specifications shared by Tesla. These updates include a 0.2-inch reduction in ground clearance and a remarkable “51% decrease in vibration on rough roads.” Additionally, the glass roof has been upgraded with a new silver coating, which improves heat refraction by seven times, enhancing the efficiency of the HVAC system.

    ASMR Videos and Light Bars

    What should future reviewers do next? Well, creating an ASMR video to showcase the visuals and sounds that the new 2025 Tesla Model Y features provides is a perfect choice. They also delve into the meticulous details, such as the new Juniper light show programmed with the updated light bar and colorful ambient lighting.

    The ASMR video highlights the reason behind Tesla’s decision to include a segmented light bar at the front of the 2025 Model Y. Reviewers illustrate the satisfying click sound that the stalk and turn signals produce when activated. Notably, the turn signals are part of the light bar’s sides, distinct from the central hood section, allowing for easier identification amidst the bright LEDs.

    Unique Rear Light Feature

    On the back, the cross-car light bar stands out as a reflective element, emitting light that reflects off the material below for a softer, more diffused illumination. A Model Y Juniper seen in Saratoga, sporting Texas plates, showcased this light bar, which not only lit up the car but also illuminated the road behind it, creating a strikingly modern appearance.

    The ASMR video for the Model Y Juniper facelift captures various sounds the vehicle produces, from the automated folding of seats and mirrors to the thud of the trunk lining and the sound of the powered trunk closing. The reviewer even placed their hand in the gap to illustrate the safety feature of the trunk gate, which bounces back if it detects an obstruction in its path.

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  • 2025 Model Y Reviews: Ride Comfort & Smart Seat Folding Features

    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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  • 2025 Model Y Juniper May Lose Tax Credit Due to Trump Order

    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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  • 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Frunk: Cooler Use & Opening Tips

    2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Frunk: Cooler Use & Opening Tips

    While it’s still uncertain if the upcoming 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh will include the expected touchless frunk opening, there is at least one confirmed enhancement for the frunk.

    Frunk Design Upgrade

    According to Tesla, the Model Y Juniper’s front trunk, often referred to as the frunk, will now feature a drainage hole at the bottom of the compartment under the vehicle’s hood. This upgrade allows for practical use, enabling the frunk to be filled with ice and effectively turned into a cooler. This eliminates the need for official Tesla accessories like the Cybercooler or third-party alternatives such as the Portable Model Y fridge, which is priced at $699 on Amazon.

    Easy Cleanup After Gatherings

    After a gathering, users can easily unplug the new drainage hole in the Juniper’s frunk to let the water out. This makes clean-up after using the frunk for chilling beverages or food much simpler.

    As for the potential touchless opening feature when approaching the vehicle, similar to the system found in the Cybertruck, its inclusion remains uncertain. If Tesla had it in mind, they would probably have showcased it in the features summary for the 2025 Model Y.

    Key Features and Functionality

    In one of the promotional videos for the Model Y Juniper, the button for initiating the frunk opening animation lacks a pause or a closing option at the end of the sequence. However, Tesla does advise users to “Close Frunk” at the screen’s edge. It’s worth noting that Tesla already provides a touchless opening feature for the rear trunk, which may explain the rumors circulating about the frunk.

    According to Tesla, “A hands-free trunk automatically unlocks as you approach so you can easily store all your gear.” They demonstrate this functionality in a video featuring new Model Y owners carrying large bags of groceries.

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  • 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Made in Germany, Outsells Audi

    2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper Made in Germany, Outsells Audi

    The Model Y Juniper is set to launch in Europe around the same time as in China, as Tesla has reportedly begun production of the updated version today at its Gigafactory located near Berlin.

    Popularity and Production

    The Model Y stands as Tesla’s top-selling vehicle, and its success has allowed it to outproduce the well-known German brand Audi for the first time in 2024, with numbers reaching 1.67 million compared to Audi’s 1.79 million units. Therefore, it is crucial for Tesla to maintain this positive trend.

    Facelift Meeting Confirmation

    A rumor from last week suggested that Tesla planned a briefing for Giga Berlin staff regarding the Model Y Juniper refresh, and it appears that this was accurate. German news outlets confirmed that a meeting took place on Monday, revealing that the facelift was showcased within the factory, allowing team leaders to discuss the Juniper’s specifications and features ahead of the production launch today.

    Model Variants and Market Expectations

    It remains uncertain if Tesla will offer exclusive versions of the Model Y Juniper in Europe, similar to its earlier models, such as the “maximum range” RWD variant featuring an LFP battery capable of achieving 372 WLTP standard miles per charge. However, it is highly likely that there will be a Model Y Juniper Performance variant, which has already been seen undergoing tests in the United States.

    The rumor that successfully predicted last week’s facelift announcement and the March release date for the Juniper refresh also indicated that production would begin almost simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin, and the U.S. Currently, two of these Gigafactories are down, and there is no information regarding the Model Y Juniper release date in the U.S.

    Australian Launch and Regulatory Delays

    In Australia, the Juniper facelift is anticipated to launch in May; however, the market will receive the Chinese versions, now with an RHD option. The extended regulatory approval times for the 2025 Model Y, which includes crash testing and FSD feature evaluations like the Model 3 Highland refresh, may contribute to a delayed Model Y Juniper release in the U.S. Additionally, there may be a need to increase production of the 4680 battery cells.

    Tesla will require every available 4680 pack from Giga Texas and other locations for both the Cybertruck and the Model Y Juniper, especially as it aims to produce the most affordable battery in the U.S. to benefit from government tax credits for their manufacturing.

    If rumors about the potential removal of the made-in-U.S. EV and battery tax credits by Trump’s administration do come true, Tesla may have to reconsider its options and could revert to using Panasonic and LG batteries for the Model Y Juniper facelift, which might allow for an earlier release date in the U.S.

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