Tesla is set to commence limited trial production of the refreshed Model Y, dubbed “Juniper,” at its Shanghai factory on October 22, according to a report from a Chinese car blogger. This follows the rollout of the “Highland” refresh for the Model 3 last August, which introduced notable upgrades including a redesigned front-end, improved efficiency, and a quieter cabin, alongside various interior enhancements, though it notably eliminated steering column stalks.
Speculation surrounding a Model Y refresh has been mounting, particularly as potential buyers may be delaying their purchases in anticipation of the update. Although Tesla previously stated that there would be no Model Y refresh this year, the growing buzz and the year nearing its end have fueled expectations that an update is imminent. The Model Y remains Tesla’s best-selling vehicle globally, further amplifying the urgency for a refresh.
Recent months have seen sightings of a camouflaged prototype featuring a new “Highland-like” front end, as well as leaked images of the prototype’s components. The latest reports suggest that trial production will begin this week in Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory, as first noted by Chinese car blogger 胖虎Shawn (Fat Tiger Shawn) on Weibo.
Production will reportedly start slowly, with an initial output of just 12 vehicles per day under strict controls to maintain secrecy around the unannounced model. Given Tesla’s focus on maximizing its fourth-quarter numbers, it is unlikely that the refreshed Model Y will be available for purchase before the year’s end. Supply chain reports indicate that a wider release may not occur until the first quarter of 2025.
The decision to begin production in Shanghai raises the possibility that the refreshed Model Y may be available in international markets before North America. This scenario mirrors the rollout of the Model 3, which saw its refresh debut in Europe four months before reaching the U.S. If this trend continues, U.S. consumers may need to wait longer for the new Model Y, assuming Tesla’s production facilities in Austin and Fremont maintain tighter information security than Shanghai.
While specific details about the Model Y refresh remain under wraps, it is anticipated that many of the enhancements made to the Model 3 will be incorporated into the updated Model Y.
