Faced with declining sales and increased competition in the crossover electric vehicle (EV) segment, Tesla is gearing up for several facelifts of its popular Model Y vehicle, dubbed Juniper. According to sources from the Chinese supply chain, the Model Y Juniper is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025. Initially expected to debut next quarter, Tesla shifted its focus to other key projects this year, including the Cybertruck, the 4680 battery production ramp, and an announcement for Robotaxi.
Elon Musk has reiterated that there won’t be a new Model Y this year, though the SUV will receive continuous feature upgrades. Therefore, the proposed Q1 launch aligns with expectations. By April next year, the new Model Y is anticipated to feature a refreshed design, a streamlined interior, and new batteries. The first Juniper version to be released will be a 5-seater, followed by another version in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Reports suggest that a 7-seat variant of the Model Y will be launched during the holiday quarter of next year. This new version may be distinct from the current configuration, which simply adds two smaller seats in the trunk for a 2-3-2 layout. The new 7-seat Juniper is expected to be a larger model, potentially developed with the Chinese market in mind, as larger electric family SUVs with six or seven seats are quite popular there.
Tesla aims to capitalize on this trend and stay competitive with other automakers in the US. Hyundai/KIA already offers larger electric SUVs, and Lucid has entered the market with its 7-seater SUV, the Gravity.
Given that the Model Y was initially launched in 2020, a facelift in 2025 seems logical and could boost Tesla’s sales. After a “transitional” 2024 with no new model launches, Tesla plans to have a busy 2025, which might include the first Robotaxi ride on public roads and possibly a more affordable Cybertruck variant.
