Tesla insiders revealed more info about the upcoming three-row Tesla Model Y Juniper
- Tesla is planning a revamp of its Model Y EV car
- According to insiders, it will come in different seating variants
- A major reason for this change is the Chinese market
Published on Sep 11, 2024 at 11:13 AM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Sep 11, 2024 at 1:36 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Some insiders with direct knowledge of the matter have revealed more information about the upcoming three-row Tesla Model Y Juniper.
According to them, Tesla is planning to produce a six-seat variant of its Model Y EV car in China in late 2025.
Released in 2020, the Model Y is due for a refresh.
Despite being slightly outdated, it was still the best-selling car in the world in 2023.
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Tesla Model Y Juniper
It seems that the EV manufacturer plans to make different variants of the refreshed Tesla Model Y for different markets.
The company has been revamping it under a project dubbed ‘Juniper‘ and that variant will seat five people.
According to the Tesla insider, this five-seater variant will launch in early 2025, rather than this year as initially planned.
The six-seat variant of the Tesla Model Y Juniper also underscores pressure in China from domestic rivals like Nio and Zeekr.
Both Chinese carmakers recently launched at least four Model Y competitors with roomier interiors at lower prices.
Of course, Tesla sells a seven-seater Model Y with the Long Range variant in the US.
However, according to the insiders, a cramped third row would make it unpopular in China.
“It’s not even large enough for a large-sized dog,” said one Tesla insider.
The revamped Tesla Model Y Juniper will have an extended wheelbase, a popular feature with Chinese customers.
This will allow for more space for third-row passengers.
However, it is unclear if these features would make it to the US and Europe.
Redirected focus
The EV maker has delayed the Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh as Elon Musk changed the company’s focus to other projects.
Instead of focusing on new models like the Tesla Model Y Juniper, the company is focusing on improving autonomous driving.
They have also scrapped and delayed other projects to make room for the robotaxi launch, which is now expected on October 10.
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
