We may not have to wait as long as first thought to see Tesla’s highly anticipated Model Y facelift, with the ‘Juniper’ update reportedly entering production as early as this month.
As reported by Car News China, sources on social media – namely China’s Weibo and X (formerly Twitter) – have said Shanghai production of the updated Model Y has been pulled forward to start this week.
While this will initially be low volume at a claimed 12 vehicles per day – far lower than the factory’s approximate one Tesla made every 30 seconds output – it’ll later ramp up to mass production, potentially leading to a late 2024 or early 2025 launch.
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This would give the Model Y its new looks and equipment about one year after its Model 3 sedan sibling, whose recent ‘Highland’ updates are expected to heavily influence the Juniper facelift.
Leaked images previously posted online show the Model Y Juniper will adopt a full-width rear light bar connecting its tail lights, which would separate it from the Model 3 in at least one regard.
As with the Model 3 Highland facelift late last year, Tesla’s new Model Y will reportedly receive sleeker headlights and new wheel designs alongside its altered rear appearance.
Only one interior photo has been leaked so far, showing what appears to be perforated leather or leatherette upholstery on the seats, suede-look trim on the door, and a thin strip of ambient lighting.
It’s also expected the Model Y will follow the Model 3 by ditching its traditional steering column stalks and adopting controversial steering wheel buttons.
In the Model 3, additional changes included its gear selector being relocated to its touchscreen, the addition of a rear climate control screen, as well as suspension and electric motor tweaks for greater driving range.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously said the Model Y Juniper won’t debut until 2025, despite earlier reports claiming it would debut before the end of this year.
The Tesla Model Y has remained Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV), with 16,697 examples delivered between January and September 2024.
However, this is down on the 23,457 deliveries made in the same period last year, amid rising competition from other carmakers.
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