Tesla Model Y Juniper: What we know so far
End of Model Y, Tesla’s best-seller: Here comes Model Y Juniper, for $31,490
So a Tesla Model Y refresh for 2025 is (almost) here.
And it has never been cheaper, only under $31,500.
What’s going on with Tesla’s most popular electric crossover?
The new Model Y iteration, codenamed "Juniper", is turning heads.
With a jaw-dropping price tag of under $31,490, Tesla is rewriting the rules on affordable luxury EVs.
But don’t be fooled – this isn’t just about cost-cutting.
Price down, specs up
What’s driving the price down while upgrading the specs?
And how does this new Model Y stack up against competitors at this price point?
Specs-up-price-down
The specs-up-price-down move forms part of what economists calls a price juggernaut – which Tesla is using to the hilt, in an effort to lead the EV with innovations and unbeatable prices.
Result: a more exciting run for EVs (and greater affordability).
So, regarding the vehicle business, we are still on track to deliver more affordable models starting in the first half of 2025Elon Musk, Tesla CEO
Juniper features: What we know
Included in the refresh is improved self-driving tech, and cheaper price. What we know so far:
Exterior design tweaks
Front hood and fascia: More refined lines and potentially a sharper, sleeker design.
Lighting updates: The Juniper is rumored to adopt a split front headlight and fog light setup, modernizing its look compared to the thinner headlights of the Model 3. The rear may feature a full-width, thin taillight, evoking the futuristic design seen in Tesla’s Robotaxi concept.
Aerodynamic enhancements
Expect improvements to the car's aerodynamic efficiency, possibly including revised body contours and redesigned underbody elements for better performance and range.
Interior overhaul
Material quality: Tesla may raise the bar on interior materials, taking cues from the Model 3's transformation with higher-end finishes.
Comfort and technology: The cabin could receive updated seating, advanced infotainment, and additional features aimed at improving both comfort and convenience for passengers.
Quieter ride
Following the improvements made to the Model 3’s interior noise reduction, Model Y Juniper is expected to come with further soundproofing and a quieter cabin.
Improved suspension
While maintaining the fun-to-drive nature of the Model Y, the suspension is expected to soften somewhat for a smoother, less jarring ride.
Battery
Rumours swirl about the inclusion of new battery technologies, potentially allowing for longer range or faster charging times, continuing Tesla’s innovation in EV powertrains.
Best seller
They all part of Tesla’s continuous “iteration” and game-changing strategy, which seems to work with customers.
The Tesla Model Y outsold the RAV4 and Corolla in 2023. Tesla reported 1.79 million deliveries in 2024 (though it was slight drop from the 1.81 million delivered in 2023).
The Texas-based company also delivered 471,930 Model 3/Y vehicles in Q4 2024, compared to 439,975 in the previous quarter, 7.3 per cent growth quarter-over-quarter.
Global sales
In 2023, the Model Y was the world’s best-selling car, selling 1.23 million units, a 64% increase from 2022 – outselling the Toyota RAV4 and Corolla sedan.
Now, industry pundits say its iteration, the Model Y Juniper, is set to further dominate the EV market.
Forbes reported that Model Y inventory dried up after Tesla went on a year-end discounting drive.
Price drop
The expected price for the Model Y Juniper has never been seen before for such a top-notch EV like this.
On Tesla's US website, the current Model Ys are listed from $31,490 to $37,990 – after taking advantage of US federal tax credits of up to $7,500 (under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D), and considering the established 5-year fuel savings of $6,000.
These incentives may also be applied to the upcoming Model Y, making the price unprecedented low.
In both the Q2 and Q3 2024 earnings calls, Musk has touted new “affordable” Teslas.
There were recent reports pointing to a new mass-market Tesla codenamed “Redwood”, which Deutsche Bank dubbed "Model Q" due in mid-2025.
The Q would reportedly sell for $30,000 but that includes the $7,500 US federal tax credit, which Trump has threatened to scrap.
Separately, recent comments from AutoForecast Solutions also point to a more affordable compact SUV “baby Model Y” coming later this year that would compete on price with the new Chevy Bolt, which is due sometime in 2025.
We can't emphasise enough how important cost is. It's not an optional thing—for most people, it is a necessary thing. We have to make our cars more affordable so people can buy them.Elon Musk, Tesla CEO
Expectations soar
Motor Trend's First Look has stoked the anticipation, echoing anticipation about Juniper.
So, what awaits the Model Y refresh?
If the anticipation surrounding Juniper is anything to go by, Tesla’s next chapter in the Model Y story may be its most electrifying yet.
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