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Tesla Model Y Juniper: New video clip confirms key design upgrades ahead of possible January launch

Tesla's updated Model Y - codenamed Juniper - is shaping up to be quite an intriguing facelift. (Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)
Tesla's updated Model Y - codenamed Juniper - is shaping up to be quite an intriguing facelift. (Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)
A new 2-second video clip of the Tesla Model Y "Juniper" cruising in San Jose, California has been spotted on X/Twitter - confirming the refreshed two-part headlights. A January 2025 release is expected for the EV.

A new 2-second video clip of the upcoming Tesla Model Y “Juniper” facelift has surfaced, giving us another look at some of its anticipated design changes. Spotted in San Jose, the test vehicle is (unfortunately) still camouflaged but confirms key details such as redesigned headlights and subtle tweaks to the body.

The images from the clip, shared on X/Twitter, showcase a refreshed Model Y with two-part headlights — very reminiscent of recent Tesla designs like the Cybertruck. This also confirms that Tesla is aligning its design language across the lineup, giving the Model Y Juniper a sharper and more modern front-end appearance.

(Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)
(Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)
(Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)
(Image source: @Y2KColin on X/Twitter)

Earlier reports indicated that the Model Y Juniper might integrate a front bumper camera to assist with low-speed maneuvering and parking, rather than Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. While the camera is still unconfirmed, its presence would add practicality for owners navigating tight spaces.

Beyond exterior design, the facelift is expected to deliver significant hardware updates. Tesla is likely to equip the Juniper with HW4 FSD hardware, improved powertrain architecture, and larger battery packs. This could translate to enhanced range and efficiency, potentially supported by an 800V high-voltage architecture and updated CATL batteries.

Previous reports have also hinted that the Model Y Juniper is expected to debut as early as January 2025, with production lines already preparing for the updated version. Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory is reportedly sharing production lines between the existing Model Y and the Juniper refresh, but at a lower proportion. Regardless, we now know that Tesla is phasing in the new design ahead of a full-scale production ramp-up next year.

Keep in mind that the updated Model Y will no longer qualify for federal tax credits starting in 2025 due to changes in government EV incentives. This could push Tesla to keep the Model Y’s price competitive, offsetting the tax credit loss with cost-saving manufacturing optimizations. The vehicle will likely compete more directly with refreshed offerings from legacy automakers and Chinese EV manufacturers. Key rivals include BYD and Volkswagen, both of whom have made gains with cost-effective models in the electric segment.

If the updates — including a modernized design, HW4 hardware, and improved efficiency — are executed as expected, the Model Y Juniper could be Tesla’s new trump card. For now, sightings like these in San Jose are all we have — but that is likely to change very soon.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 12 > Tesla Model Y Juniper: New video clip confirms key design upgrades ahead of possible January launch
Anubhav Sharma, 2024-12-13 (Update: 2024-12-13)