The New Tesla Model Y Has More Changes Than You Think

After much speculation, America’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, has finally gone through a major revamp. Internally coded Project Juniper, Tesla has employed several changes to improve its design, overall comfort, and efficiency – updates that its numerous patrons will surely appreciate. Recently, Tesla engineers spent a good portion of their time explaining these updates in an interview with Tesla Owners Silicon Valley. Some of these we already knew from its debut, but here are the important updates straight from the horse’s mouth.

The removal of Tesla’s iconic ‘T’ logo from the vehicle’s exterior is quite obvious – a decision originally intended for the US market but delayed due to requirements in China. Another key design change is the reintroduction of the turn signal stalk. Tesla previously replaced the stalk with steering wheel buttons, but strong customer demand prompted the automaker to bring it back while keeping the buttons as an option for those who prefer them. New paint colors that have already been rolled out in international markets, including the exclusive Glacier Blue color, are expected to be available soon in North America.

Enhanced Interior Comfort & Functionality

Set to arrive as the Launch Series under $60,000, Tesla addressed the Model Y’s cabin noise with the Juniper with a metallic-coated glass roof with dual silver layers, which also enhanced its thermal performance to enable lower fan speed operation for better efficiency and comfort. Auto-oscillating Airwave 2.0 fans now swing side to side for optimized cooling. It also has laminated rear glass and smoother, quieter door latches and trunk lids to enhance passenger comfort. Interior materials have been upgraded to further dampen unwanted sounds, including carpeted cupholders, trunk lids, and side trim.

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Additionally, the updated Model Y can now detect human presence in the vehicle using a 4D radar imaging system. Scheduled for activation in Q3 through a software update, the system enables dynamic airbag deployment based on passenger size, detects child presence, and monitors heart rate and breathing. It can also send reminders to activate HVAC, and in emergencies, call 911.

Enhanced Efficiency and Range Improvements

The introduction of Tesla-designed rear power seats with an internally developed gearbox makes them the fastest folding seats in the industry (4 seconds versus the industry average of 7 seconds). The trunk lid closes more gracefully and quietly, too, with an additional power strut now present on the right. Other updates include refined LED lighting and better repairability for the rear hatch.

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The Tesla Model Y Juniper likewise introduces several updates aimed at improving efficiency and driving performance. Aerodynamic improvements to side mirrors add 2-3 miles of range, while brake calipers have been refined to reduce drag.

The stiffer suspension system improves vehicle comfort and handling. Despite choosing not to increase battery size to maintain affordability, Tesla expects the EPA to confirm a nearly 5% range boost, near the 320 miles estimate.