Tag: Tesla Model Y

January 29, 2025
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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Tags: Model Y Juniper, New Model Y Launch Series, Tesla Model Y
January 28, 2025
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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Tags: electric vehicle ownership costs, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y
January 25, 2025
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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Tags: ASMR video, Juniper, Tesla Model Y
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 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 15, 2025
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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Tags: Juniper refresh, Tesla Model Y, touchless frunk
January 14, 2025
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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Tags: Gigafactory Berlin, Juniper facelift, Tesla Model Y
December 24, 2024
Tesla Model Y Juniper Facelift Revealed with New Features
The Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh is on the horizon, and it’s likely to launch in January as the updated Model Y begins mass production at Giga Shanghai.
Recently, there have been many sightings of the Juniper refresh in various locations, including China, Europe, and the United States. The latest sighting took place in California, where a Model Y Juniper test vehicle was seen on the highway. A third red light was visible through the camouflage at the back, suggesting that a rear light bar is part of the new design.
New Design Features
Insiders from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai have shared that the 2025 Model Y Juniper facelift will introduce several design updates, including the rear light bar. There are plans for a similar feature at the front, featuring “penetrating LED daytime running lights” positioned above a front end that eliminates the traditional grille, moving away from the usual SUV design.
Additionally, the interior will take on a more minimalist approach, inspired by the Model 3 Highland’s updates, complete with ambient lighting. The central console will now have a screen that pivots left and right, similar to what is found in the Model X and Model S.
Display and Performance Upgrades
The Model Y Juniper will keep the 15.4-inch diagonal display but will upgrade to a higher 2.5K resolution, aligning with the 2650x1440p panel seen in the Cybertruck. This could result in a pixel density of 195 pixels per inch, making it the highest among production Teslas.
Moreover, sources indicate that Tesla plans to enhance the Model Y Juniper’s battery capacity to 95 kWh, utilizing the upcoming 4th-generation electric motors. These new motors are expected to be more compact and efficient, promising an extended range compared to the current model.
Market Concerns
While the rear light bar has been anticipated for some time, the additions of the front light bar and the tilting central display are fresh insights into the refresh. However, Tesla must ensure that the production costs for the Model Y Juniper are lower than those of the current generation. This is crucial, as the company may lose the federal tax credit that significantly reduced the vehicle’s price in the U.S.
To avoid a dip in demand for their top-selling vehicle, Tesla might need to either lower manufacturing costs or raise the price of the Model Y Juniper. Both options carry risks that could affect the vehicle’s market performance.
Source: Link
Tags: Giga Shanghai, Juniper refresh, Tesla Model Y
December 14, 2024
Tesla Model Y Juniper: Design Upgrades Confirmed Ahead of Launch
A new short video showing the upcoming Tesla Model Y “Juniper” facelift has appeared, giving us a glimpse of some exciting design updates. Spotted in San Jose, the test vehicle remains (sadly) camouflaged, but it confirms important features like redesigned headlights and minor modifications to its body shape.
Design Details Revealed
The video shared on X/Twitter shows a refreshed Model Y featuring two-part headlights, which are quite similar to the recent designs seen in the Cybertruck. This indicates that Tesla is unifying its design style across various models, giving the Model Y Juniper a sharper and more contemporary look at the front.
Potential New Features
Previous reports suggested that the Model Y Juniper could include a front bumper camera to assist with low-speed driving and parking, instead of offering Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. Although the camera has not been confirmed yet, its addition would certainly help owners maneuvering in tight spots.
Hardware Upgrades Expected
In addition to exterior changes, the facelift is anticipated to include significant updates to the hardware. Tesla is likely planning to install HW4 FSD hardware, a better powertrain setup, and larger battery packs. This could lead to improved range and efficiency, possibly supported by an 800V high-voltage system and enhanced CATL batteries.
Reports have also suggested that the Model Y Juniper might make its debut as soon as January 2025, with production lines already gearing up for the updated model. Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory is supposedly sharing production lines between the current Model Y and the Juniper version, though at a reduced ratio. Either way, it’s clear that Tesla is gradually introducing the new design before ramping up full production next year.
Impact on Pricing and Competition
It’s important to note that the updated Model Y will not be eligible for federal tax credits starting in 2025, following changes in government incentives for electric vehicles. This might encourage Tesla to keep the Model Y’s price competitive, compensating for the loss of tax credits by optimizing manufacturing costs. The vehicle will likely face tougher competition from updated models from traditional automakers and Chinese EV brands. Key competitors include BYD and Volkswagen, both of whom have seen success with affordable models in the electric vehicle market.
If the planned updates — including a modernized look, HW4 hardware, and enhanced efficiency — are implemented as anticipated, the Model Y Juniper could become Tesla’s standout model. For now, sightings like these in San Jose are all we have to go on, but that could change pretty soon.
Source: Link
Tags: electric vehicles, Juniper facelift, Tesla Model Y
December 14, 2024
Tesla Model Y Loses Top Spot to Toyota and BYD Gains Ground
Tesla is currently offering its largest set of discounts and incentives ever for the Model Y and Model 3, aiming to end the year strong with a record number of deliveries.
Incentives and Competition
Even with 0% APR financing and free Supercharging deals, it might not be enough for the Model Y to reclaim its title of the world’s top-selling vehicle, a title it held last year.
Recent data from 162 countries shows that the Model Y has slipped from its position at the top of global vehicle sales. The Toyota Corolla has taken back its crown as the best-selling car worldwide, selling 901,991 units.
Sales Figures
In the same timeframe, Tesla sold 865,868 Model Y vehicles, while the Toyota RAV4 followed closely behind with 836,258 units sold, marking a significant 13.7% increase in sales year-on-year.
The highest growth rate in sales belongs to BYD, with its Song model experiencing an impressive 42% surge compared to last year. BYD is prioritizing international sales and continues to open new showrooms in different countries, and this strategy appears to be working well.
Market Dynamics
Toyota had previously dominated the rankings for popular vehicle models until Tesla introduced its mid-range crossover SUV, which was quickly embraced by early EV enthusiasts. While electric vehicle sales are currently slowing down, Tesla still enjoys advantages in production costs and brand recognition over competitors. Thus, moving from first to second place in global vehicle sales is still a commendable achievement.
Additionally, Tesla is set to unveil the Model Y refresh, codenamed Juniper, in the first quarter of next year. This means that the Model Y could potentially reclaim its status as the world’s most popular vehicle in 2025 after a short break from the top position this year.
Source: Link
Tags: BYD Song, Tesla Model Y, Toyota Corolla