Longer Model Y Juniper range now official as Tesla praises its new 'most efficient' tires for their low rolling resistance

Tesla has significantly improved the wheels of the new 2026 Model Y Juniper facelift, equipping it with the most efficient tires it has ever created.

The new Model Y tires have extremely low rolling resistance and at the same time offer better handling and, most importantly, less road noise, says Tesla.

When coupled with all the other improvements that it made to insulate the cabin, such as acoustic glass all around, the more efficient A/C system fan, and the carpeting throughout the interior down to the cupholders, the Model Y Juniper refresh offers a much quieter cabin.

This is not all that the redesigned 2026 Model Y wheels bring to the table, though. Together with the new more streamlined exterior and the new brake calipers, they result in a lower coefficient of drag, adding to the overall efficiency improvement.

2026 Model Y Juniper AWD range

Thanks to the 10% increase in efficiency hence power draw taken from the battery, the new Model Y facelift has an official range of 327 miles. Just certified by the EPA, this official estimate means more than 5% longer range on a charge than the old AWD Model Y.

If the 2026 Model Y RWD Long Range version offers the same level of efficiency improvement, it will mean about 353 miles of EPA range, the longest ever on a Model Y.

Future 2026 Model Y Juniper owners will need the extra miles on a charge, too, as the vehicle carries the same aging 400V powertrain as its predecessor. This means that it won't be able to take advantage of Tesla's latest and greatest V4 Superchargers that are currently delivering 325 kW output, and will be upgraded to 500 kW this year.

Tesla said that it didn't put a bigger battery or faster charging system because it wanted to keep the Model Y Juniper relatively affordable. Thus, the Cybertruck will remain the only Tesla passenger vehicle with modern 800V architecture that will be cruising the roads for the foreseeable future.

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