Tesla is gearing up to release an updated version of its popular Model Y electric crossover, codenamed Project Juniper. This refresh, similar to the Highland update for the Model 3, is expected to bring significant changes and enhancements to the already successful vehicle. While the exact production timeline for Europe and the U.S. remains unknown, sightings of camouflaged prototypes are becoming more frequent, hinting at an imminent debut in the first half of 2025.
According to a Chinese media source cited by CnEVPost, the updated Model Y Juniper is set to enter mass production in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai facility. The production in Shanghai caters to the Chinese and global markets, although the timeline for production in Europe and the U.S. is still undisclosed.
The revamped Model Y is anticipated to feature a fresh design with redesigned fascias, light clusters, revised wheel designs, and new paint colors. Inside, similar to the Model 3 Highland update, improvements in materials, assembly quality, and a more compliant suspension system with frequency selective dampers are expected.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously mentioned that the Model Y update was not a top priority, allowing the company to focus on other projects like the Cybercab. However, with competition intensifying in the electric vehicle market, including models like the Onvo L60 and the Kia EV5, Tesla is under pressure to maintain its leading position.
Reports have also surfaced about a potential six-seater version of the Model Y, set to be available in China and Europe. While the production of the revised Model Y in China may not directly impact the U.S. market, sightings of camouflaged prototypes in the U.S., particularly in San Jose, California, suggest that production in the States could also be on the horizon.
As Tesla prepares for the launch of the updated Model Y, enthusiasts and consumers alike eagerly await the unveiling of this refreshed electric crossover. With improvements in design, technology, and performance, the Model Y Juniper is poised to build on the success of its predecessor and continue Tesla’s legacy of innovation in the electric vehicle industry.