Tesla releases the new Model Y Juniper refresh ahead of schedule

Tesla teased that the Model Y Juniper refresh release date will be February 26, and has started the first deliveries in China today, just as promised.

Previously, it pegged the new Model Y facelift for a launch in March, but has managed to ship it to customers ahead of that schedule, which bodes well for the US Juniper release, too.

Tesla started the Model Y deliveries with a new promo video detailing the upgrades to the vehicle's design, aerodynamics, and interior, staying mum on the powertrain that didn't get any enhancements.

Granted, the new Model Y Juniper's range is about 5% higher than that of its predecessor, but this is due to increases in power efficiency, rather than a battery capacity bump, while the SUV still charges with the aging 250 kW speed, and doesn't offer Tesla's modern 48V low-voltage architecture.

Tesla's chief engineer Lars Moravy is on record saying that this is to keep the costs of its bestselling vehicle low, but those upgrades may arrive with time when enough economies of scale have been realized.

Tesla will stop selling the inaugural Model Y Juniper Launch Series in China that offered extended warranty by the end of the work week, while in Europe it already did so.

Tesla's sales in Europe have slumped by 45% in January alone, most likely due to Elon Musk's overly political antics there, so European customers can now already buy the cheapest Model Y Juniper RWD version starting from €44,990.

Europe has also gotten the new Model Y with the longest range of 386 miles (WLTP) for €49,990, but those who preorder will only see it delivered in May.

Starting today in China, any customer can now go to a Tesla store and order the Model Y RWD version for the equivalent of $36,310. That would still be the Launch Series with extra warranty until February 28, and it remains to be seen if the new Model Y will get cheaper there after that date.

Get the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with 24' cable on Amazon