Tesla Model Y Juniper: Everything We Know and What We Anticipate

Despite Elon Musk's announcements that no new Model Y will be launched in 2024, Tesla is actively testing the upcoming "Juniper" update. It is expected to incorporate changes from the Model 3 Highland, possibly introducing some surprises, hence the extended development time. Here is everything we understand and anticipate about the forthcoming Model Y Juniper.

Last year, after Tesla launched the updated Model 3, most believed a revamped Model Y wouldn’t be far behind. The electric crossover was late to market, but that wasn't a reason to delay another three years for a new release. Essentially, the Model Y was a Model 3 enhanced with Botox, showing its age upon debut.

Tesla has exerted considerable effort to maintain the Model Y's freshness and relevance in the market, even though its design has largely remained the same. While the Model Y might resemble an older Model 3, it benefits from numerous upgrades, such as an improved suspension, mega castings, and enhanced battery and drive units. As Musk has shared with his followers on X, Tesla continuously updates the Model Y, noting that vehicles delivered six months apart could differ significantly.

In China, Tesla took further steps by incorporating new features from the refreshed Model 3 into the Model Y, though its design stayed the same. These upgrades include ambient lighting in the cabin and more efficient drive units. Nonetheless, this doesn't alter the fact that the Model Y still appears outdated, especially when compared to the more glamorous Model 3 Highland.

More than half a year has passed since the start of Model 3 Highland production, and despite rumors, there is no indication that Tesla is near initiating Juniper production. Musk firmly states it won't happen in 2024, and given his usual optimism, it seems unlikely the refreshed Model Y will launch soon. However, numerous prototype sightings suggest that Tesla is already road testing the new model. This implies we could see the Model Y Juniper debut in the first half of next year, possibly even in the first quarter.

Production is expected to start in China, as it did with the Model 3. However, this time, Tesla will need to accelerate the production ramp-up significantly, given that both Giga Shanghai and Giga Berlin are supplying the European market. The Model Y is also manufactured in North America at Fremont and Giga Texas. Here is what we should anticipate from the refreshed Model Y, ranging from confirmed features to speculative guesses and hopeful thoughts.

Tesla Model Y Juniper: Confirmed Features

Design Changes

This aspect is straightforward since Tesla plans to transplant all the new elements from the refreshed Model 3. It is well-known that the streamlined front design recognized from the Highland sedan will transition to the refreshed Model Y. This includes the aerodynamically enhanced front bumper and the slim headlights with LED matrix and adaptive functions.

The rear might offer some surprises, given the differences between the Model 3 and Model Y. Fortunately, a recently leaked image sheds some light. The refreshed Model Y seems to feature a light strip connecting the rear headlights. The light bar might include a glowing illumination highlighting the Tesla lettering. As expected, the headlights will adopt the C-shaped design of the Model 3 Highland.

Improved Powertrain

Another solid prediction is that Tesla will upgrade the drive units in the refreshed Model Y. It has already done so for the Chinese Model Y, which was equipped with the more robust rear motor from the Model Y Performance. Tesla touted better efficiency and more power with the upgraded rear drive units on the Model 3 Highland, and I expect this to be installed in the refreshed Model Y as well. This should offer a significant boost in range, a feature already observed with the Model 3 Highland.