Summary
- Tesla Model Y refresh, code named Juniper, has been revealed in China with prices starting at 263,500 yuan
- The updated model incorporates features from the Model 3 Highland, including improved acoustics, ambient lighting, and new screens
- Tesla has not released technical details, but the Model Y Juniper will be more efficient and powerful with improved acceleration
- Changes to the chassis and design have been made, modeling design elements from Cybertruck and Cybercab
- The Model Y Juniper is currently only being manufactured in Giga Shanghai, with plans to expand to other markets in the future.
Article
The highly anticipated Tesla Model Y refresh, known as the Juniper, has been revealed in China. Priced starting at 263,500 yuan (around 34,900 euros or $35,900), the car is an evolution of the previous model rather than a revolutionary change. Deliveries are set to begin in March, but details on the technology upgrades are scarce. The new model incorporates features from the Model 3 Highland, such as improvements to acoustics, new ambient lighting, and rear seat enhancements. The Model Y Juniper also boasts a more efficient design and increased power, although specific technical details have not been released yet.
While the exterior design maintains the signature curved roofline of the Model Y, the Juniper version introduces significant changes, drawing inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Notable updates include narrow headlight units, a continuous LED light strip, and a redesigned front bumper with an integrated camera. The rear of the vehicle also features a continuous light strip, setting it apart from the refreshed Model 3. The steering wheel design resembles that of the Model 3 Highland, with the addition of traditional turn signal stalks in some versions.
Improvements to the Model Y Juniper extend beyond aesthetics, with enhancements to the drivetrain and performance capabilities. The vehicle’s range has been increased, with the Long Range model now boasting 719 kilometers (447 miles) in the Chinese CLTC cycle. Additionally, acceleration has been improved, and changes to the chassis aim to provide a smoother driving experience. The possible introduction of a performance version later in the year may bring further enhancements and minor cosmetic updates.
It is currently unknown how charging performance will be affected by the Model Y Juniper changes. The 400-volt system is expected to remain in place, suggesting that the maximum charging power will likely remain at 250 kW. Despite the incremental improvements, the Model Y was already considered one of the more efficient models in its class prior to the Juniper modifications. Production of the Juniper model has reportedly already begun at Tesla’s Giga Shanghai facility, with a premiere in Europe and the US expected to follow as factories there undergo conversion.
Overall, the Model Y Juniper represents a significant update to the popular electric vehicle, blending familiar elements with modern design features and enhanced performance capabilities. The revised model is set to continue Tesla’s success in the electric vehicle market, offering consumers an efficient and stylish option in the growing EV landscape. With production underway in China and plans for expansion to other regions, the Juniper version of the Model Y is poised to attract a new wave of environmentally conscious drivers looking for a powerful and sustainable transportation solution.
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