Tesla has introduced Energy Boost, a software upgrade that adds up to 50 miles (80 km) of driving range for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in the U.S., starting from $1,000. The upgrade is not available for Canadian owners of the Model Y RWD.
In a post by Tesla North America on X (formerly Twitter), the company announced that owners of the discontinued entry-level Model Y RWD can now enhance their vehicle’s range. The Energy Boost upgrade offers 30 miles (48 km) more between charges for $1,000, while $1,600 will unlock 50 miles. Which option appears for owners will depend on the battery type in your vehicle, Elon Musk stated on X.
Energy Boost upgrade now available for US Model Y RWD owners — allowing you to travel even further on a single charge
– Gain up to 50 miles of additional range with an over-the-air software update 🔋
– Purchase in the Tesla App under Upgrades > Software Updates > Buy > Energy… pic.twitter.com/L9S0WxXiGS
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) July 13, 2024
Model Y RWD owners might be surprised to find that Energy Boost costs less than Musk initially indicated. Earlier this year, Musk posted on X that it could cost as much as $2,000.
The additional range is enabled through a software unlock that can be purchased via the Tesla mobile app. The upgrade is applied through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, bringing the driving range close to the new entry-level Model Y Long Range RWD, which boasts a range of 320 miles (515 km) on a full charge.
However, the upgrade is limited to the U.S. market. Canadian Model Y RWD owners will not receive Energy Boost, as the version sold in Canada uses a different type of battery (LFP) compared to the previous Model Y RWD in the U.S.
Tesla has been testing an upgraded Model Y, but the company has cautioned that the ‘Project Juniper’ update will not be released this year.
