A heavily camouflaged prototype of the updated Tesla Model Y was spotted in California.
Chinese media report that production of the updated EV will start in Shanghai next month.
The Model Y Juniper will feature exterior, interior, and mechanical upgrades.
The Tesla Model Y is gearing up for its most significant update since its 2019 debut. Of course, by “significant,” we mean it’s still largely the same car—just with enough fresh bells and whistles to keep it reigning atop global sales charts. Now, a camouflaged prototype of the updated Model Y was spotted in California, coinciding with reports that production could kick off in China as early as next month.
According to the latest information circulating in Chinese media including Sina, production of the facelifted Model Y, codenamed “Juniper”, is set to kick off in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai plant. This aligns with Elon Musk’s earlier comments indicating that the facelifted Model Y wouldn’t launch in 2024. Reports also suggest that Tesla has already built prototypes in Shanghai as part of its preparations for full-scale production, signaling that the company is moving quickly to refine the next iteration of its best-seller.
A New Longer Six-Seater Variant For China
Tesla is expected to introduce two versions of the updated Model Y: a standard five-seat model, which offers an optional third row for two additional (and very small) passengers, and a longer-wheelbase six-seater variant designed exclusively for the Chinese market, set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both versions will come with a range of exterior, interior, and mechanical updates to keep the Model Y fresh and competitive.
The redesigned bodywork of the Model Y is expected to echo the updates seen on the Model 3 ‘Highland’, featuring slimmer headlights and a more streamlined front bumper. In a recent spy video shared on X by photographer Colin W., the new DRLs (daytime running lights) can be seen glowing through a thick camouflage wrap. The prototype is also equipped with newly styled wheels. While the rear end remains fully covered, earlier spy shots revealed a full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish, adding a more modern touch to the design.
Inside, the Model Y is expected to ditch its wiper and turn signal stalks, along with the gear shifter, in favor of an even more minimalist design. However, it will gain a redesigned steering wheel, an infotainment display with slimmer bezels, more comfortable seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and an additional touchscreen for rear passengers to control climate settings, just like the Model 3 facelift.
More importantly, the EV will reportedly benefit from better-quality materials inside the cabin and improved NVH, courtesy of chassis and suspension upgrades. These will be likely joined by onboard technology upgrades too.
Battery and powertrain options should be carried over from the outgoing model, although a more powerful Model Y Performance trim sounds plausible, mirroring the specs of the Model 3.
In the lead-up to the updated model’s release, Tesla has cut the price of the Model Y in China by an additional ¥10,000 ($1,370), dropping it to its lowest price ever. The move seems to be paying off: between January and November 2024, the Model Y was China’s best-selling vehicle, with 373,000 units sold, accounting for 73% of Tesla’s sales in the region.
Prospective Tesla Model Y buyers in the U.S. face a tough decision: wait for the updated model or buy the current version now to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, especially with the possibility that the next administration may follow through on its promise to eliminate it.
Tesla replaced premium paint protection wraps with cheaper vinyl wraps that offer less durability.
Customers can have their Model 3 or Model Y wrapped for $4,000, and the Cybertruck for $4,500.
The company’s wrapping services are limited to just five U.S. locations, all on the West Coast.
Tesla has made its colorful wrap options for the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck significantly cheaper in the States, and it now seems poised to offer a wider range of color choices too. But, because this is Tesla we’re talking about, after all, we can’t have nice things without a catch. The company has ditched its pricier, higher-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) wraps in favor of the more basic (read: cheaper) vinyl wraps.
Cost Savings and Trade-Offs
As pointed out by Notateslaapp, Tesla’s previous PPF wraps were thick, durable, and actually protected your car’s paint. But protection costs money (and time), so Tesla decided to cut a corner, roll out vinyl wraps, and slap a “more affordable” sticker on the move. Vinyl wraps are thinner and easier to apply, which makes them faster and cheaper to install. The trade-off is the reduced durability and protection compared to PPF.
If you own an eligible Tesla and want to make it stand out for the holiday season, now could be a good time to do so. However, you’ll need to live in California or Washington, as only certain service centers are participating in the program.
Tesla launched its wrap service last year, initially limited to Model 3 and Model Y. At that time, PPF wraps were priced between $7,500 and $8,000. The service then expanded to include the Cybertruck, which offered five color options, priced between $6,000 and $6,500 for PPF wraps.
Now, Tesla has updated its website to confirm that the cheaper, lower-quality vinyl wraps (of course, they don’t say it like that) are now available for the Model 3 and Model Y at $4,000, with wraps for the Cybertruck priced at $4,500. Interestingly, Tesla is no longer listing a specific selection of colors. Instead, after customers make an online purchase for a wrap, a Tesla Advisor will arrange an appointment where they can choose their preferred color and texture. This likely means a wider array of options will be available. Tesla mentions that all wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride and come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.
Limited Availability of Tesla Service Centers
Unfortunately, there are just five Tesla Service Centers in the US providing wrapping services. Four are in California, including Costa Mesa, Oceanside, Santa Clara, and West Covina, and the other one is in Seattle, Washington.
Tesla says that the wrap installation typically takes a few days and customers may be provided with a loaner vehicle. All wraps from Tesla include a 12-month warranty for any installation defects and a five-year warranty for material defects.
Interested buyers should be aware that Tesla does not wrap door jambs as standard and this is only available for an additional cost. Additionally, Tesla will inspect the paint before fitting the wrap and may direct buyers to have a complete paint correction performed to ensure the surface is absolutely perfect.
More than 101,000 EVs were registered in the US in October.
Registrations were up 5 percent on the same month in 2023.
Tesla’s numbers dropped 1.8 percent, but it remains miles ahead.
We’re constantly hearing about an EV downturn and how automakers are changing their electrification strategies because consumers aren’t consuming. And sure, sales of electric cars are down in countries like Germany, but in the US people are still buying EVs, and they’re buying more of them than they did 12 months ago.
EV registrations climbed 5 percent in October versus the same month in 2023, topping out at 101,403, according to data from S&P Global Mobility. And it wasn’t Tesla driving that growth, but legacy automakers.
Chevrolet’s EV sales jumped 38 percent to 6,741 helped by demand for the Blazer and Equinox, while Cadillac Lyriq registrations grew threefold to 2,489 and the Hummer shifted 1,015 electric trucks, four times as many as it did last October.
Like the Equinox, Honda’s Prologue, which is built on the same GM platform and in the same Mexican GM plant, wasn’t available in 2023, but made its presence felt this year. It found 4,168 homes, only 12 fewer than Chevy did of its version. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 facelift also gave its sales numbers the desired nip and tuck, boosting registrations from 3,555 to 4,485.
Although the overall number of EV sales is up, the rate of growth has slowed and some models registered fewer deliveries than previously. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, was down from 3,949 to 3,479 according to S&P Global Mobility’s spreadsheet and Rivian R1S sales dropped by more than 500 to 2,456. There are also fears that the EV segment relies heavily on tax credit availability to boost demand, and public interest could wane if Trump pulls the plug on the incentives when he takes office.
BEST SELLING EVs USA
MODEL
OCT-24
OCT-23
Tesla Model Y
21,787
25,220
Tesla Model 3
17,419
16,237
Hyundai Ioniq 5
4,485
3,555
Chevrolet Equinox
4,180
0
Honda Prologue
4,168
0
Tesla Cybertruck
4,041
0
Ford Mustang Mach-E
3,479
3,949
Chevrolet Blazer EV
2,561
167
Cadillac Lyriq
2,489
887
Rivian R1S
2,456
2,961
Total
67,065
52,976
Data: S&P Global Mobility
SWIPE
Tesla’s registration numbers actually fell by 1.8 percent, and if you remove Tesla from the equation, EV sales increased not by 5 percent, but by 11 percent. And this isn’t a blip for Tesla: the automaker’s numbers have fallen in seven of the first 10 months of 2024, Auto News reports, and that’s despite the facelifted Model 3 and Cybertruck being new for this year. While the Model 3 gained ground, the Model Y fell back, sales tumbling from more than 25,000 to under 22,000.
But before anyone gets the idea that Tesla is falling behind in the EV race, we should make clear that it still outperformed the second best-selling brand’s EV models six times over. Or every single brand in the 2nd to 12th spots combined.
A California woman alleges Tesla’s locking system allowed an assailant to access her vehicle.
The plaintiff claims says she locked her car while she waited inside the cabin at a charging station.
Before she could finish charging, an assailant entered despite indications the car was locked.
Tesla is currently facing a wide array of legal challenges. While the company works to expand the adoption of robotaxis and continues to be investigated over concerns about Autopilot, it is now dealing with a lawsuit brought by a California woman. She alleges that a flaw in Tesla’s locking system allowed an assailant to enter her vehicle and attack her.
The plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe in court filings from the Golden State, claims that Tesla doors can still be opened from the outside, even when the car is locked via the Tesla app.
According to the filing, the incident occurred at the Galleria at Tyler mall while Jane Doe was charging her Tesla Model Y. After plugging in the vehicle, she moved to the passenger seat to take a nap while the EV charged. Upon getting in, she used her Tesla app to lock the car. Evidently, the wing mirrors folded in and she saw an icon indicating that the car was locked.
Before she woke up, a person identified in the lawsuit as Jabari Marquis shook the car from the outside and then entered through the driver’s side door. While the woman believed the vehicle was locked, the exterior door handle allegedly worked as normal.
She claims that Marquis proceeded to assault her and she called 911, attempting to alert them to her predicament by saying things like “I hate this Mall, it’s full of rapists,” and “The charging stations are so slow.” The call apparently lasted for approximately seven minutes and ultimately police arrived and intervened.
The lawsuit accuses Tesla of failing to secure the vehicle’s doors from the outside and for not alerting occupants about the situation either. Interestingly, the suit isn’t solely against Tesla as the woman also includes the site of the assault, Galleria At Tyler. Her council claims that the mall failed to provide adequate security. Finally, the defendant, Mr. Marquis, is also facing legal consequences here as the woman is suing for damages related to assault and battery.
Tesla’s Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, attended Deutsche Bank’s Autonomous Driving Day in New York.
The bank’s report highlighted the launch of a new affordable EV for early 2025, tentatively named “Model Q.”
A stretched, three-row Model Y variant targeting the Chinese market was also mentioned in the report.
The EV world lit up with speculation yesterday after reports emerged from China stating that Tesla, and specifically its Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, had confirmed plans for a new lower-cost EV set to debut next year during a Deutsche Bank meeting in NYC on Monday.
Predictably, the rumor mill began grinding away. To separate fact from fiction, we obtained a copy of Deutsche Bank’s report summarizing the meeting. While the report offers some clarity on Tesla’s ambitions, it stops short of providing concrete details, leaving plenty of room for speculation about what’s to come.
According to the Deutsche Bank report, Axelrod participated in the bank’s Autonomous Driving Day in New York, where discussions centered around Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, robotaxi development, and the Optimus humanoid robot. Somewhere in this high-tech mix, Tesla’s product plans for 2025 emerged, though the details were far from comprehensive.
Product Roadmap
The Deutsche Bank report offers a broad overview of the meeting, albeit without attributing direct quotes to Axelrod. However, the context strongly suggests that the new lower-cost model was a key topic of discussion. If true, this marks a significant shift in Tesla’s product strategy for the coming years.
The report outlines Tesla’s strategy to unveil several new vehicles in 2025:
New models and 2025 volume growth
A new, entry-level EV referred to as “Model Q” is set to launch in the first half of 2025. It will reportedly be priced under $30K with subsidies (or $37,499 without).
In the second half of 2025, Tesla is expected to release additional models aimed at expanding its total addressable market (TAM). One of these is believed to be a 3-row, longer-wheelbase Model Y variant, likely exclusive to China.
Tesla plans to build all new models on existing production lines, emphasizing efficient use of capacity to achieve its targeted 20–30% volume growth in 2025.
While management remains confident in scaling up the China supply chain, the high end of Tesla’s volume target will require flawless execution, particularly in North America.
The company’s plans for its Mexico plant remain dependent on geopolitical developments and tariff policies under the new Trump administration.
Now, let’s dissect the key points regarding the model presentations. Arguably, the most noteworthy aspect here is the introduction of a more affordable model, tentatively named “Model Q” by Deutsche Bank rather than Axelrod himself. Notably, the report made no mention of specifications or the rumored “Redwood” codename circulating online.
Elon Musk has been skeptical of low-cost models in the past, not out of dislike, but because of the significant challenges in achieving profitability, maintaining quality, and overcoming high development and production costs.
Back in October, during an investor call, he stated, “Having a regular (aka driveable) $25K model is pointless. It’d be silly.” That said, the projected $30K price point for the Model Q doesn’t contradict Musk’s remarks. If anything, it suggests Tesla is threading the needle by offering a lower price point without completely compromising its profitability.
Currently, Tesla’s least expensive vehicle in North America is the RWD, single-motor Model 3, priced at $34,990 with the $7,500 federal tax credit (or $42,490 without). This makes the introduction of a sub-$30K Tesla a significant move – assuming it’s more than just a smaller, stripped-down version of the Model 3.
What Form Could The Model Q Take?
If the Model Q materializes, it begs the question: will it be an entirely new, compact offering or a derivative of existing models like the Model 3 or Y? Perhaps it could take shape as a smaller hatchback with crossover-like proportions, as shown in our rendering. A more far-fetched, albeit intriguing, possibility might involve a driveable version of the Cybercab. But I digress. It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but the report points to a reveal in the first half of 2025, meaning we won’t have to wait long for answers.
The Deutsche Bank report also confirms recent rumors from China about a stretched, three-row version of the Model Y. This longer-wheelbase variant is designed specifically for Chinese buyers and is expected to build upon the refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” which is set to debut next year. The addition is logical in a market where larger/longer family vehicles are highly appealing, enabling Tesla to better compete with local rivals.
What Else Is Coming?
As for the “other new models” mentioned in the report, details remain vague. However, Tesla’s focus on expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) indicates the company is aiming to capture new customer segments – whether through pricing strategies, diverse body styles, or regional exclusivity.
Additional points in the report highlight Tesla’s confidence in scaling its supply chain, particularly in China, while also emphasizing the challenge of flawless execution in North America. Regarding Tesla’s much-discussed Mexico plant, its future hinges on geopolitical factors and tariff policies under the new Trump administration, which is an unpredictable variable, to say the least.
A Critical Year Ahead
While the Deutsche Bank document offers an intriguing glimpse into Tesla’s roadmap, it stops short of providing concrete details. What we do know is that 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the EV maker, with affordability and versatility taking center stage.
Looming over all of this, however, is the potential for a seismic shift in America’s EV policy. If the upcoming Trump administration scraps the $7,500 federal tax credit – arguably the key driver of EV sales – Tesla and the broader industry could face serious headwinds. Germany serves as a cautionary tale; after subsidies were cut in December 2023, Tesla’s sales there plummeted by over 43% this year.
Obviously, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet, as always with Tesla, the answers remain as unpredictable as the company itself.
Puts and takes for 2025 margins
Tesla explained that 2025 will be a year of product launches, and whenever that happens, there will be disruption to profitability as it will be in the early days of building a product and have more inefficient fixed cost absorption.
But this could be offset by a lower cost of goods sold from the more affordable products.
2025 margins will also hinge upon where ASP (Average Selling Prices) lands based on the demand curve.
The main goal is to focus on growing volume and garnering incremental gross profit (as opposed to targeting a certain gross margin %), delivering at least overall FCF (Free Cash Flow) breakeven. The auto business is basically funding more ambitious future projects.
SiriusXM has been added to the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
Tesla owners can also now unlock their EVs using an Apple Watch.
The holiday season is upon us, and Tesla has announced a slew of new features that will be included in its annual holiday update. These new features will roll out as part of an over-the-air update starting next week.
Perhaps the most important inclusion in the update is a rear cross-traffic alert feature. In recent years, rear cross-traffic alert has become a standard safety feature across much of the industry but up until now, no Tesla has had it – likely in part due to their reliance on cameras rather than radars. While there’s still no radar, Tesla has enabled the system to alert drivers of pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind while in reverse.
Other handy features are being added. For example, there’s a new Tesla App for the Apple Watch, meaning owners can use their watch to lock/unlock their EVs, view the battery charge, open the frunk, and turn on the climate control. It’ll also now be possible to save dashcam and Sentry Mode clips directly from the Tesla app. Tesla Model 3’s without stalks can also now automatically shift between Drive & Reverse in parking lots and during multi-point turns.
Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners will be pleased to hear that SiriusXM is included in the holiday update, too. It’s now also possible to set a preferred battery charge level when arriving at a destination and a rain radar has been added to the navigation system.
BREAKING: Tesla has announced its annual 2024 Holiday Update.
Here's what's new: • Tesla App on Apple Watch • Save Dashcam & Sentry Mode clips to phone • Autoshift between Drive & Reverse on stalkless Model 3 • Maintenance Summary: You can now view & track maintenance items… https://t.co/u1UexGtvUopic.twitter.com/54Hj25MPzI
Most of the other updates are minor, including new wraps and license plates available for the avatars used in the Cybertruck’s infotainment system, an improved rear camera feed for the pickup, and the ability for rear-seat passengers in the Cybertruck to play games on the small screen. Fart On Contact is another small update, which will play a fart sound through the speakers as soon as a passenger sits down.
Model Y buyers in Canada can now get the EV with a discount of up to CAD$2,600.
Discounts cap out at $2,000 in the US for the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck.
Referrers receive $1,000 for each sale that they generate.
Tesla has made its popular referral program in the US and Canada a little more generous, benefiting both new and existing owners.
The changes start with the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Those who purchase one of these EVs using an existing owner’s referral will get a hefty $2,000 discount. This is double the $1,000 discount that had been provided previously. Tesla has also increased the discount for the Model 3 and Model Y from $500 to $1,000.
Canadian buyers can also benefit from new discounts. Those who place an order for a Model S, Model X, and Model Y, will all receive a CAD$2,600 discount, double what it used to be. That discount is particularly generous for the Model Y as it’s significantly cheaper than both the Model S and Model X.
Existing Tesla owners who provide their referral codes are also being rewarded more. In the US, each successful referral an owner makes will receive $1,000, while in Canada, they’ll get CAD$1,300. This money can be used at the Tesla Shop to buy accessories, for Supercharging, or at Tesla Service centers. Each referrer is capped at ten referrals before it resets. This means owners in the US can stack them and get up to $10,000 off their next vehicle purchase or CAD$13,000 in the Great White North.
The referrals work for newly-ordered vehicles, as well as those in Tesla’s existing inventory.
In September, Rivian launched a Tesla-inspired referral program for its owners. The electric startup offers 750 points ($1 point equals a $1 credit) for an owner who makes a referral and another 750 points to a new buyer who uses that referral code. Both parties also receive six months of free charging at the Rivian Adventure Network. The 750 points can be redeemed for a future vehicle purchase or spent on Rivian’s online stores.
BYD insists price reduction requests can be negotiated and are not mandatory.
The leading Chinese EV maker is on track to sell 4 million vehicles this year.
Smaller automakers struggle to survive as China’s EV price wars continue to intensify.
Electric vehicle price wars in China show no signs of slowing down, and the stakes are rising fast. BYD, the world’s largest producer of electric and electrified vehicles, appears ready to push even harder for market dominance, with reports emerging that it’s pressuring suppliers to cut costs, a strategy that could set off yet another wave of price reductions across the industry
A leaked email from BYD executive vice president He Zhiqi recently surfaced on Chinese social media, revealing the company’s aggressive cost-cutting plans. The email, titled “BYD Passenger Vehicle Cost Reduction Requirements in 2025,” requested a supplier to slash prices by 10% by 2025. He Zhiqi stated in the message, “In order to enhance the competitiveness of BYD passenger cars, we need the entire supply chain to work together and continue to reduce costs.”
According to the New York Times, BYD confirmed the email’s legitimacy, with a company spokesperson noting that “annual bargaining with suppliers is a common practice in the automotive industry”. They added that BYD frequently puts forward “price reduction targets for suppliers” but insists these are not “mandatory” and can be negotiated.
The Fallout of China’s EV Price Wars
China’s EV price war has been raging for the past two years, forcing smaller carmakers out of the market and driving consolidation among others. The battle has also spurred collaborations between Chinese and Western automakers, as seen in Volkswagen’s recent partnership with Xpeng. Increased competition has kept prices low for consumers but has also heightened pressure on carmakers to find new ways to cut costs and stay afloat.
Despite the turbulence, BYD has so far emerged stronger from the price wars. The company is on track to sell over 3.6 million vehicles by the end of the year, with a Q3 gross margin of 21.9%, which is significantly higher than many rivals. BYD’s revenue during the same quarter even surpassed Tesla’s, solidifying its position as a global powerhouse. If trends continue, BYD could soon overtake legacy automakers like Ford and Honda in annual sales, according to The New York Times.
Tesla and Rivals React
BYD isn’t the only automaker preparing for deeper cuts. For example, SAIC Maxus Automotive recently sent a letter to suppliers asking for a 10% reduction in costs due to the oversupply in the Chinese automotive market. In the letter, the carmaker noted more new car companies are launching and price wars show no signs of stopping.
Meanwhile, Tesla remains one of BYD’s most high-profile competitors in China. Earlier this week, Tesla announced a 4% price cut for its Model Y in the country, slashing roughly $1,400 from its price tag. The move highlights Tesla’s efforts to keep pace with BYD and other Chinese automakers, ensuring it stays competitive in a market that is increasingly dictated by affordability.
A small batch of Model Ys faces recall after engineers investigated a seat recliner failure.
A weak weld in the seat mechanism compromises the integrity of the front passengers.
Service centers will replace the faulty seat assemblies at no cost to owners.
Tesla is recalling approximately two dozen Model Ys built in late October after discovering a seat issue that could increase the risk of injury in a crash, just the latest in a string of quality control hiccups for the EV maker.
Since its debut, the Tesla Model Y has been the top-selling electric vehicle globally, and one might expect that by now, Tesla would have perfected the car’s finer details. However, a small issue has cropped up with Model Ys built between October 28 and October 30, 2024. The problem centers around the seats, specifically the welds attaching the recliner mechanism to the seat back. If the welds are insufficient, it could compromise the seat’s integrity, potentially failing to properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash.
Owners of affected Model Ys will likely notice if something’s amiss. Loose or rattling seats, resistance when reclining, or an inability to fully recline could all signal the problem. In total, 27 Model Ys are involved in this recall.
Tesla’s engineers first began investigating a seat recliner failure on October 29 when the factory’s welding equipment generated multiple non-conformances. The carmaker spent the following week investigating the fault and later completed a weld analysis to characterize the condition and identify vehicles that may be impacted. Tesla has not received any warranty claims related to the potentially dodgy seats.
Recall Notifications Begin in January
All Tesla stores and service centers were informed about the recall on November 26, 2024, while owners will be alerted starting January 21, 2025. Owners of impacted models will need to bring their Model Ys to a service center where the seat assembly will be replaced with a certified one, free of charge.
Word of this recall comes just a couple of weeks after Tesla launched the sixth recall involving the all-electric Cybertruck. In that case, vehicles need to be repaired because of a fault that may develop within the drive inverter.
The world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023 is up for a mid-cycle update for 2025.
The Tesla Model Y Juniper will bring styling, interior, and mechanical upgrades.
The electric crossover will get a more powerful Performance variant as well.
Tesla’s Model Y isn’t just a hit, it’s a phenomenon. Consider that in 2023, it didn’t just dominate the EV segment, it topped global car sales outright, shifting a staggering 1.23 million units, according to JD Power. To put that into perspective, it outsold long-standing juggernauts like Toyota’s RAV4 (1.03 million) and the Corolla (1.01 million), relegating them to second and third place respectively.
Not bad for a five-year-old design that, let’s be honest, is starting to look a bit tired. Enter the Model Y codenamed project “Juniper,” a long-awaited refresh aimed at keeping Tesla’s golden child ahead of the pack.
Fresh Face, Familiar Silhouette
Launched in 2019 as a slightly taller, longer and more family-friendly sibling to the equally popular Model 3, the Model Y has enjoyed plenty of incremental improvements over the years, but its exterior hasn’t seen any changes. The Juniper update aims to freshen up its looks, bringing sharper styling inspired by last year’s updated Model 3 Highland. Tesla isn’t rocking the boat too much as the familiar egg-like silhouette remains, but spy shots and leaks suggest notable updates to both the front and rear.
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
Camouflaged prototypes and leaked images have offered clues about Tesla’s design direction. Early test cars teased some daring ideas, including split headlights and a Cybertruck-inspired full-width LED light bar. However, more recent leaks suggest Tesla is gravitating toward a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.
In particular, our exclusive rendering draws on a leaked infotainment display image from a prototype spotted in China. It showcases a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights, a cleaner—albeit more generic—nose, and a sculpted bumper devoid of side intakes, all borrowing heavily from the updated Model 3. If this is indeed the final design (and we strongly suspect it is), it’s a sharper, more refined evolution. That said, it still sticks to the same old “Model 3 after a helium party” aesthetic, complete with its puffer-fish-style greenhouse. Some things, it seems, are just part of the Tesla DNA.
Moving to the rear, more changes are expected. A full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish will replace the existing design, while Tesla’s badge will give way to “TESLA” lettering, a trend we’ve seen across other models. The panoramic roof, a signature feature of the Model Y, will be maintained enhancing its light-filled cabin. Spy shots also suggest the rear license plate holder may move to the bumper, streamlining the tailgate for a cleaner overall appearance.
Practical Efficiency Gains
Besides its cleaner and sharper styling, the updated design is expected to deliver aerodynamic improvements, boosting efficiency, much like the related Model 3, which saw its drag coefficient drop from 0.225 to 0.219.
There’s also speculation about a larger 95 kWh battery pack, which could extend the Model Y’s range beyond the current 81 kWh version. However, even if this rumor proves true—and that’s a big if—it may be limited to certain markets, such as China, while other regions could retain the existing options.
Similarly, the electric motors are expected to carry over from the current model, with outputs believed to be around 295 hp (220 kW / 299PS) for the Standard RWD variant and 384 hp (286 kW / 389 hp) for the dual-motor Long Range AWD, though no one really knows for sure as Tesla doesn’t communicate trivial things like specifications. The Long Range variant is also anticipated to offer a paid Acceleration Boost option, a feature Tesla has already begun rolling out for the updated Model 3 in select markets. Again, no official figures but this upgrade usually brings the LR very close to the Performance variant.
Performance And Rumors Of Plaid
The Standard and Long Range versions of the Model Y will be joined by a Performance trim, mirroring the lineup of the Model 3. In its current configuration, the Model Y Performance is estimated to deliver 456 hp, but it may adopt the newer dual motors from the Model 3 Performance, which would raise output to 510 hp.
With the current Model Y Performance already clocking a 0–60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, the potential upgrade could shave off a few tenths, nudging it closer to the 3.0-second mark. However, as with many Tesla stats, these figures come with an asterisk—namely, the inclusion of a rollout.
Visually, the Performance variant is likely to distinguish itself with a slightly more aggressive body kit featuring a vented front bumper, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and unique wheels (hopefully equipped with all-season tires) paired with a lowered stance. An adaptive suspension system and, perhaps, a dedicated track mode could also be part of the package.
As for the rumors of an even more powerful Model Y Plaid, we’re not biting. While Tesla could theoretically produce an absurdly fast version of its family-oriented crossover, such a model feels more suited to the Model 3 than the practical, family-focused Model Y. And let’s be totally honest—a 510-hp Performance variant is already more than enough for most of you out there.
Improved Interior Yet Divisive Changes
The interior of a prototype Model Y Juniper caught in China (Photo Weibo)
Interior updates for the Model Y are set to prioritize better materials and improved build quality, addressing criticisms while aiming to rival the increasingly feature-rich Chinese EV competition. Tesla is also expected to refine ride comfort, handling, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) with targeted chassis and suspension adjustments. As usual, the recently refreshed Model 3 provides a solid blueprint for what to expect.
Recent spy shots reveal a new design for the steering wheel, an improved infotainment touchscreen display with thinner bezels, and carbon-style trim on the center console – just like on the Model 3 Highland. However, some functional changes will surely prove divisive. Tesla plans to replace the traditional wiper stalk with a fully automatic system, move the turn signal controls to steering wheel buttons, and relocate gear selection to the touchscreen, with additional touch buttons placed behind the rearview mirror on the roof.
Other upgrades include multi-color ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and improved front seats with heating and ventilation sourced from the Model 3. Rear passengers will also benefit from a heated bench and an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and media controls. While these changes aren’t groundbreaking, they bring the Model Y more in line with competitors that are increasingly offering premium cabin features as standard.
A few months ago, reports surfaced that Tesla might be developing a six-seater Model Y specifically for the Chinese market. This version is said to feature a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin compared to the three-row U.S.-spec model, catering to the growing demand for roomier family-oriented vehicles in China.
Finally, Tesla may enhance the misleadingly named self-driving capabilities of the Model Y with the Juniper update, potentially incorporating new sensors and more advanced software.
According to some sources in China, limited production of the Model Y Juniper has quietly begun at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with full-scale manufacturing expected to ramp up soon. The same sources suggest that Tesla has restricted smartphone use within the facility to minimize the risk of early leaks. However, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Tesla won’t launch the facelifted Model Y in 2024, hinting at a 2025 debut.
It’s possible that Tesla may prioritize the Chinese market initially, with North America, Europe, and other regions following later. Much of the timeline could also depend on Tesla’s ability to clear out existing inventory of the current Model Y before making room for the updated version. In any case, a global market launch is anticipated sometime in the first half of 2025.
Key rivals of the Tesla Model Y in the US market include the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and in the near-future, the Rivian R2.
Should I Buy The Current Model Y Or Wait For Juniper?
That’s the big question popping up every 2.3 minutes on Tesla forums and Reddit threads these days. If you ask us, it really comes down to three key considerations:
A) Are you willing to risk losing the $7,500 federal tax credit, which could disappear when the new administration takes over in January, along with current offers such as 0% APR for 60 months (with 20% down for qualified buyers) and steep discounts on demo cars and existing inventory?
B) Can you hold out for a few months (potentially even more than six) for the Model Y Juniper to arrive in the U.S.?
C) Do the updates—including controversial ones like the turn signal buttons and gear shifter placement—feel significant enough to justify waiting?
If you answered “no” to at least two of those questions, you might be better off buying now. Otherwise, waiting could make more sense as you can compare the two and see which one you like more, possibly scoring an even better discount on leftover pre-facelift models.
EV and hybrid sales are rising in the state, while plug-in hybrid registrations show little movement this year.
California is projected to register 1.75 million light vehicles in 2023, slightly down from last year’s total.
Nearly 40% of new cars sold in California are electrified, reflecting growing interest in alternative powertrains statewide.
California has long been a hotbed for electric vehicles in the USA, and through the first nine months of this year, EVs accounted for 22.2% of all new vehicle sales across the state, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). While this represents only a modest increase from the EV share reported over the same period last year, it’s significantly more than the 9.1% share they had in 2021.
Between January and September, 1,320,708 new light vehicles (across all powertrains) were registered across the Golden State. This marks a 1.7% decline from the same period in 2021, with 362,881 cars (down 13.1%) and 957,827 light trucks (up 3.4%). By the end of the year, 1.75 million new vehicles are expected to be registered in California—a slight drop from the 1.77 million delivered last year and a considerable decline from pre-COVID years, when annual sales between 2015 and 2019 consistently hit or exceeded 1.89 million units.
What’s particularly interesting is the proportion of recent sales that have been for BEVs and hybrids. Sales of BEVs have jumped to 293,109 units, or a 22.2% share of the market year-to-date, slightly higher than the 21.5% share they had through all of 2023. The proportion of traditional hybrid vehicles sold this year has also risen, with 182,469 being registered to new homes. Hybrids now accounted for 13.8% of the total market.
In contrast, plug-in hybrid sales are lagging behind BEVs and standard hybrids. Only 45,244 units were sold in the first nine months of the year, holding steady at a 3.4% market share—the same as their share through all of 2023.
Gasoline-powered vehicles remain by far the most popular powertrain choice in California. Of all the new light vehicles sold in the state this year, 58.3% have gas engines. BEVs are the next most popular at 22.2%, followed by hybrids at 13.8%, plug-in hybrids at 3.4%, and diesel-powered ICE models at 2.3%. Altogether, the combined market share of BEVs, hybrids, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles has reached 39.4%.
The best selling EVs
When it comes to BEV dominance, Tesla remains the undisputed heavyweight champion in California. According to CNCDA data, the Tesla Model Y towers over the competition with a staggering 105,693 new registrations from January to September this year, making it the state’s best-selling BEV by a margin that’s almost embarrassing for its rivals. Its smaller sibling, the Tesla Model 3, comes in second with 34,219 units, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5—an up-and-comer in the EV space—takes a distant third with just 11,711 units sold. If the Model Y was a politician, it’d be running unopposed.
However, Tesla’s overall performance in California tells a more nuanced story. The company’s EV market share in the state has slipped by 8.5% compared to last year, marking a full 12 months of incremental declines, according to CNCDA. And while Tesla may still own the lion’s share of the BEV segment, the competition is sharpening its claws. Brands like Kia, BMW, and Hyundai are quietly but consistently chipping away, each posting year-to-date EV market share gains of 1.4%, 1.3%, and 1.3%, respectively.
Toyota the overall leader, Tesla second
Looking beyond BEVs to the broader automotive landscape in California, Toyota comfortably claims the top spot across all powertrains with 215,402 registrations so far this year, holding a commanding 16.3% market share. Tesla settles for second place with a 12.1% share, while Honda rounds out the top three, capturing 10.9% of the market.
Taiwanese tuner Custuning is debuting three Tesla bodykits at SEMA, each named after Greek gods.
One of the kits offered for the Tesla Model S includes flared arches and several carbon fiber parts.
Custuning also offers performance upgrades for Teslas, including wheels, brakes, and suspension.
There’s no shortage of aftermarket accessories available for the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Model S, thanks partly to US-based firms like Unplugged Performance. A Taiwanese firm by the name of Custuning is now throwing its hat into the race and has previewed three Tesla bodykits it will unveil at next week’s SEMA Show.
The lineup kicks off with an upgrade package for the Tesla Model Y, dubbed Notos. If your Greek mythology is sharp, you’ll know Notos as the ancient god of the south wind—a fitting symbol of speed and power, according to Custuning.
Upgrades start up-front, where the tuner has crafted a new bumper for the Model Y, complete with a pronounced splitter. A more aggressive hood has also been designed and new side skirts are included. Found at the rear is a bold diffuser and a larger lip spoiler. The car heading to SEMA is equipped with a slew of other performance parts from the firm, including lightweight forged wheels, eight-piston front brake calipers, and adjustable air suspension.
For the Model S, Custuning has previewed a package called Boreas, after Greek god of the cold north wind, storms, and winter. This one cranks up the aggression several notches, with carbon fiber construction. It’s far less subtle than the Model Y kit and rocks a custom splitter, aerodynamic skirts, and new fins at the rear. According to Custuning, it boosts downforce, although no specific details have been provided. A widebody kit is also under development.
Rounding out Custuning’s Greek-inspired lineup is the Eurus kit for the Model 3, named for the god of the east wind. Like Boreas, the Eurus kit brings a similar design language to the Model 3, with an array of carbon fiber elements for a more sharper and aggressive look.
Booming Tesla Cybertruck sales helped it overtake the Ford Mustang Mach-E in Q3.
Cybertruck deliveries reached 16,692, while Mach-E sales fell almost 10 percent to 13,392.
The surge helped Tesla lock out the top three EV positions, the first two spots going to the Y and 3.
Analysts often tell us that the high price of EVs is one of the main reasons they’re not selling in the volumes automakers had hoped for. But that thinking doesn’t apply to the Tesla Cybertruck, whose sales are surging despite a six-figure price. It seems that, for a certain type of buyer, the Cybertruck’s brute, sci-fi appeal is well worth the price of admission.
Cybertrucks found 16,692 new owners in the US in Q3, making the pickup the country’s third most popular EV, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. Its move into the number three spot came at the expense of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, whose sales dropped by almost 10 percent to 13,392. Honda’s Prologue bagged fifth place with 12,644 units sold and 11,590 Americans bough the sixth-placed Hyundai Ioniq 5.
As if you hadn’t already guessed, the Cybertruck’s Q3 performance also completed Tesla’s lock-out of the EV sales chart’s top three positions. But the angular truck has a long way to go before it can think of ascending to first or second spot. Second place in the Jul-Sept period went to the freshly facelifted Model 3, whose sales climbed 9.7 percent to 58,423, and the Model 3 hung onto first despite its deliveries dropping 9.1 percent to 86,801.
Other Q3 EV winners include the Cadillac Lyriq (up 139.4 percent to 7,224 units), Ford F-150 Lightning (up 104.5 percent but still miles behind the Cybertruck at 7,162), Nissan Leaf (up 187.5 percent to 4,514) and Lexus RZ (up 96.7 percent to 2,742). Toyota bZ4X sales also improved by 45.3 percent to 4,109 in a period where its Subaru Solterra twin made a more modest 34.4 percent gain to 3,752.
But not everyone can be a winner. VW ID.4 sales dropped 57.8 percent to 4,518, the Tesla Model S plummeted 46.7 percent to 1,669, Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 lost 56.9 percent of its sales, which fell to 2,158, the Audi A8 e-tron found only 1,745 buyers (down 51.5 percent) and BMW’s i7 slipped 47 percent to just 573. America’s least popular EV was the Genesis G80. Only 155 people bought one of those, 67.1 percent fewer than in Q3 2023.
When looking at sales by brand, it’s no surprise that Tesla reigns supreme with 166,923 cars sold. Ford trails far behind in second place with 23,509 units (up 12 percent), while Chevrolet, with a 25.6 percent sales boost, rounds out the top three with 19,993 units.
Multiple police departments in California feel that the Tesla Model 3 isn’t up for law enforcement duty.
Police chiefs say Tesla’s limited passenger space and tricky tech are big obstacles for use in patrol work.
California cops prefer the Ford F-150 Lightning, citing better space, easier maintenance, and more vendor options.
Police officers across the nation are dealing with a change. Dodge ended production of the last-gen Charger late last year. A replacement isn’t readily available either and several municipalities are looking at electric vehicles as a potential replacement. For some though, the Tesla Model 3 is far from the perfect pursuit vehicle. Instead, they are relying on the Ford F-150 Lightning.
No single vehicle is absolutely perfect for police work, but some certainly perform better than others. A recent trio of interviews with department chiefs from northern California shed some light on what officers think of the available electric vehicle options.
Speaking to SF Gate about using a Tesla Model 3, Ukiah Police Department Chief Cedric Crook complained that they’re expensive to outfit, hard to charge due to a lack of infrastructure, and that they’re not big enough. Rather than spacious enough for two prisoners, they can only move one at a time in a Model 3.
When High-Tech Becomes a Hassle
“Tesla back seats only have room for one prisoner,” Crook told the Bay Area news site, which could mean more officers and more cars for incidents with multiple suspects, stretching resources thin. Menlo Park Police Department Chief David Norris had more complaints about his Model Y units.
The safety features were tough for officers to navigate and overcome. Because they’re close to the ground, his officers can’t jump curbs and go off-road as easily as they can in other cars. He also complained about the interior space.
Officers decked out in full patrol gear reported that their duty belts and bulletproof vests dug into the passenger seat, “making it nearly unusable.” Furthermore, they found that the so-called ‘smart’ features, such as autopilot and proximity locking, created headaches when shifting into drive or trying to pull over.
A Space Race Tesla Can’t Win
These critiques make sense considering the dramatic difference in passenger volume when comparing the Tesla Model 3 (and even Model Y) to the Dodge Charger. The electric sedan features 97 cubic feet (Model Y = 106 CuFt) whereas the tried and true Dodge offers 120 cubic feet. That’s a lot more space for people and police equipment.
Of course, most people (even those who aren’t die-hard car lovers) can plainly see that the Charger and Model 3 don’t play in the same sedan segment and that has nothing to do with their propulsion type. A police car made out of a Honda Civic, which has 99 cubic feet of passenger volume, would likely suffer the same criticisms.
California’s push to go all-in on zero-emission vehicles by 2035 is just making things more complicated. Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order has forced many municipalities to speed up their EV adoption, but it’s leaving them tangled in logistical nightmares. “The shiny thing is the car; you have to have the charging infrastructure,” Chief Norris told SF Gate, calling out the massive gaps in EV readiness.
Ford’s F-150 Lightning Is The Real MVP
On the flip side, it’s easy to see, based on the critiques of the Model 3, why Fort Bragg Police leveraged the Ford F-150 Lightning. Not only are the Blue Oval’s electric trucks more spacious, but outfitting them and maintaining them is easier in the eyes of Department Chief Neil Cervenka.
“Ford F-150s are the most popular selling trucks in America,” Cervenka pointed out, meaning parts are easy to come by, and plenty of mechanics know how to work on them—even the Lightning model. On the other hand, “Teslas are tricky,” he added, often requiring “a Tesla technician to do a lot of the work. And when they’re in the shop, they’re out of commission for quite a while.”
Cervenka also highlighted another hurdle with Teslas: while there are plenty of nearby vendors to modify an F-150 for police work, the same can’t be said for Teslas. “I would have to transport our vehicles to Southern California, have them outfitted, and then get them transported back, which would be cost prohibitive,” he explained to SF Gate.
Not Everyone’s Giving Up on Tesla
Suffice to say, not all California police departments are as skeptical about Tesla patrol cars. As we reported earlier this summer, the South Pasadena Police Department recently replaced their entire fleet with Model Ys and 3s.
“This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs,” South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky said at the time. He estimated the switch would save the department around $4,000 a year in fuel alone.
But while Solinsky is confident in those savings, only time will tell if the numbers hold up once the grind of daily patrol duty sets in. Will the charging infrastructure, tech quirks, and space constraints that have frustrated other departments creep in, or will South Pasadena prove Tesla can be the future of police fleets? One thing’s certain—this debate is far from over.
The Future of EV Patrol Fleets
As the EV transition continues, there will no doubt be more options for police departments. We already know that Dodge is set to bring out an electrified Charger Daytona pursuit vehicle—likely the sedan version—which could help fill the gap left by the previous generation, especially if they also offer an ICE-powered variant.
That said, EV skeptics aren’t going anywhere, and neither are the infrastructure challenges that continue to frustrate departments already testing electric patrol cars. The road ahead isn’t as clear as some would like you to believe.
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