Musk says Tesla's next-gen vehicle will be much more utilitarian
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With all the attention on Cybertruck, Tesla is quietly working on the real game changer. Somewhere in Tesla's research and development is the Model 2, the next-gen, more affordable Tesla. It is the car that Tesla predicts will sell more than all of its other vehicles - combined!
The company has long been known for its futuristic and sleek designs, with the upcoming Model 2 touted as the most affordable and utilitarian offering yet. Yes, utilitarian were the words used by Elon Musk as he reiterated the primary focus for the Model 2 would be simplicity in design, manufacturing efficiency, and affordability.
But how might this vision translate into the actual car design? We have a few ideas using some hints and lessons from the past. For simplicity's sake, we will refer to the next-gen car as the Model 2 in this article.
Teardrop Shape: Aerodynamic Mastery
Aptera's vehicle design next efficiency to another level
Aptera
Arguably the most aerodynamic shape for cars, the teardrop design minimizes drag, which is crucial for electric vehicles where range is paramount. The Model 2 could integrate this shape, focusing on the perfect harmony of form and function.
A vehicle is yet to be produced, but it has shown this design and how Tesla could use it. Aptera knows that in vehicle efficiency, drag coefficients are king. It is a crucial metric denoting aerodynamic resistance: while a Toyota Corolla registers at 0.29 and the Tesla Model 3 impresses with 0.23, the Aptera records 0.13. To put that in perspective, the bottlenose dolphin puts up a 0.1.
The McLaren Speedtail
Bloomberg
When McLaren set out to conceive their swiftest road-going model, it didn't merely optimize the engine; it sculpted the very form of the car itself. The McLaren Speedtail's streamlined silhouette, exemplified by its elongated tail, the omission of conventional side mirrors, and aerodynamic front wheel covers, is a testament to this design philosophy.
Three Wheels: Sneak Peak Lines up with Aptera
Tesla working on a concept car
CBS
An image in the Walter Isaacson books seems to be a mock-up of a Model 2. Take a good look at both the product and the pictures on the wall behind it. It appears to be a three-wheel, tear-shaped vehicle. Aptera also has three wheels. The company says it "leads the pack by having the least "rolling resistance" — the energy needed to keep your tires rolling at a straight and steady pace."
Going to three wheels reduces the touch points and areas where energy can be lost. It could incorporate unconventional headlights or eliminate the traditional trunk. The Aptera's radically efficient design offers a glimpse of such out-of-the-box thinking.
Rethinking Doors and the Frunk: Simplifying Structure
Volkswagen's XL1
TopGear
While a four-door design is conventional, a two-door Model 2 would be simpler and likely cheaper to manufacture. Moreover, since the frunk primarily serves as storage in electric vehicles, Tesla could consider eliminating it altogether. This recalls Volkswagen's audacious 1-litre car concept, which featured gullwing doors and a futuristic design.
But we don't need to go back that far, as again, we can point to Aptera's design. The two-door, two-seater has storage room but certainly not to the same level as a Model 3. Given this Model 2 is going to be a point A to point B car, how much storage space is required?
Aero Wheel Design: Balancing Aesthetics with Efficiency
Tesla's Model 3 aero wheels have already demonstrated the balance between aesthetics and efficiency, offering up to a 3.4% boost in range. The Model 2 could take this further by fully enclosing the wheels or adopting innovative designs similar to the McLaren Speedtail's aerodynamic front wheel covers. It could go even further than that; see the next point.
Fender Skirts: Maximizing Range
A render of the Model S with fender skirts
Road and Track
Historically, fender skirts have shown a marked improvement in fuel efficiency. The original Honda Insight from 1999 achieved a drag coefficient of 0.25 with its covered rear wheels. By re-introducing fender skirts, Tesla could further streamline its impressive aerodynamics, extending the Model 2's range. But, as General Motors pointed out, this could require certain design adjustments, like narrower rear tires, to maintain safety and handling.
Mirrorless Design: Reducing Drag
The original Tesla Cybertruck prototype didn't have mirrors
Tesla
Mirrors add drag, and if Tesla can persuade regulators, a mirrorless design would make the Model 2 even more streamlined. Replacing mirrors with cameras has been around for a while. Still, Tesla could be the one to popularize this in mass-market EVs. The company has already been touting this as a feature for the Cybertruck. However, some jurisdictions require external mirrors. At some point during the evolution of the car, regulators must understand that camera technology is superior to mirrors.
While these speculations are based on current trends and historical data, one thing is certain: Tesla's Model 2 will challenge conventions. As the company delves deeper into achieving unmatched manufacturing efficiency and affordability, the Model 2 will likely carry Tesla's legacy of innovation.
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After a long wait, Tesla has finally launched the refreshed Model Y - the world’s best-selling vehicle - in China. The vehicle is available for pre-order throughout the Asia-Pacific market, so let’s dive into everything new.
Currently, Tesla’s order page expects the first vehicles - the Launch Series - to begin deliveries to customers in May 2025, just about four months away. For now, there are just two variants - the Rear Wheel Drive, and the Long Range, All Wheel Drive model.
Launch Series Edition
Similar to the Foundation Series Cybertrucks, the Launch Series Model Y’s are a limited release and include a set of additional options.
You’ll get an exclusive Launch Series badge on the rear liftgate and doorsill plate. Plus, the Launch Series badging shows up in the puddle lights too. The charging console also has “LAUNCH” as a wordmark on the trim, and the interior comes with an exclusive black vegan suede finish.
Launch Series for the Long Range AWD also comes with Acceleration Boost, the first time Tesla has ever included the feature outside of an “in-app” purchase.
What’s New
There are a lot of new things in the 2025 Model Y, from a new and sharp-looking exterior, an improved interior, and even better specs to round off the whole package. There are even several surprises that we didn’t know about. There’s a lot to like here.
Exterior
Tesla has redesigned the front and rear of the vehicle with iconic new light bars, which they mention increase vehicle aerodynamics, efficiency, and range. Part of this includes redesigned body castings for the Model Y refresh, reducing parts from 70… to just one. That’s fewer gaps, all designed to make an even quieter ride than before. We’re excited to see how all these improvements perform - after all, increasing stiffness is the key to a better ride.
The front bumper camera is also visible - so that’ll be the first for a Tesla vehicle outside of the Cybertruck. Hopefully, they’ll include it in FSD and Actually Smart Summon as well, but right now, at least on the Cybertruck, it’s only used for Autopark or, of course, to use it manually.
The refreshed Giga Casting
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Indirect Rear Light Bar
The rear light bar is actually not aimed away from the car - but at it. According to Tesla, it's the first indirect reflective body panel taillight - and it looks cool. Tesla has also redesigned several curves on the car - it looks far more aerodynamic and cuts a sharp figure over the original Model Y. These changes will improve range and performance.
The rear light bar
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Tesla has also introduced a new color - Glacier Blue - exclusive to the 2025 Model Y Refresh for now. The standard color option is Stealth Grey, while Pearl White Multicoat, Glacier Blue, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red are all available as options.
The new Glacier Blue
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Tesla has also removed the hitch option from the Model Y Refresh. This is a big change - it was the only non-premium level Tesla vehicle to include a tow hitch. We’re hoping that Tesla does include a tow hitch in versions coming to North America and Europe - as many users do use them. If it is indeed gone, that’ll mean the only vehicles left in the lineup with tow hitches will be the Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X.
Interior
First up - ventilated seats and ambient lighting will be the first two things you see, along with new soft-touch finishes across the interior. Tesla has really hit the mark with the interior of the Model Y Refresh - it looks clean and sharp - just like a spaceship. Interestingly, Tesla has brought back the turn/signal stalk on the Model Y Refresh. It doesn’t have a shifter stalk - that’ll be on the screen - but it doesn’t have turn signal buttons either.
This is likely because not having a turn signal stalk has been a big dealbreaker for money purchasers, and the Model Y is intended to be the vehicle for the masses. We’ll see if the stalk is an Asia-Pacific only item, and whether the turn signal buttons make their way to Europe and North America.
Updated interior with ambient lighting
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The updated interior still features a 15.4-inch touchscreen - the same size as previous models but also includes an 8” rear touchscreen for all versions of the vehicle, similar to the refreshed Model 3.
Tesla has added improved connectivity to the vehicle - improving the range for the Phone Key, clearer calls, and faster cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. This is likely a chipset improvement for the infotainment module - and includes a newer version of Bluetooth, as well as support for 5G. We’ll dig into these details once we know more.
The updated speakers are cleverly hidden away inside the trims, and we expect a lot of improvements for Tesla’s already fantastic audio - especially in the Long Range AWD version.
One of the coolest features is power reclining seats - you’ll be able to recline or raise your rear seats at the touch of a button in the rear of the vehicle and potentially in the vehicle menu, too. That’s going to be an amazing convenience feature for families and those moving luggage around.
Turn Signal Stalk
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In a surprising move, Tesla says they have listened to customer feedback and added a “precision-engineering” turn signal stalk. There’s only a single stalk on the left side of the steering wheel while the gear shifter remains on the screen and Autopilot remains as a steering wheel button.
The steering wheel buttons are similar to the Cybertruck, which provide “clicky” feedback. Since the turn signals have moved over to a stalk, Tesla is introducing customizable steering wheel buttons. You’ll likely be able to set them to features like turning on the front or rear cameras, voice commands or other features.
Handling
Just like the Model 3 refresh, Tesla has worked some magic on the suspension, improving vehicle handling and comfort while also offering more responsive steering and an even quieter ride. This includes updated tires, wheels, and a new suspension.
New Wheels, New Suspension
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No word yet on Adaptive Suspension - that’ll likely be a hold-out for the Performance variant, which will show up later in 2025.
Specs
Vehicle
Range*
0-60mph
Charging Speed (15m)
2024 AWD
501 km / 310 mi
5.0s
239km
2024 LR RWD
525 km / 326 mi
7.9s
250km
2025 AWD (Juniper)
551 km / 342 mi
4.3s
266km
2025 RWD (Juniper)
466 km / 289 mi
5.9s
229km
*Range for the Model Y Refresh is WLTP, while for the 2024 vehicle, it is EPA estimates. WLTP estimates are generally on the higher side owing to geography and temperature in the Asia-Pacific.
There’s a lot to take in right here, spec-wise. The Model Y Refresh AWD is faster than its predecessor and has a considerably longer range. According to Tesla’s spec sheet, it also charges slightly faster - even faster than the current LR RWD with its LFP battery. That’s a great improvement across the board.
Beautiful Curves
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The RWD is less of an immediate improvement - but this is a Standard Range RWD - not a Long Range RWD, so the comparison isn’t exactly comparable to the 2024 LR RWD. It seems likely that Tesla will replace the Long Range RWD with the 2025 Standard Range RWD once it arrives in North America and Europe. However, even the RWD has a pretty hefty improvement in the 0-60 section.
When Does It Arrive
Tesla says that it’ll be shipping the Model Y Refresh in just a few short months - customer deliveries of the Launch Series should begin deliveries in May - if you’re in the Asia-Pacific region. For customers in Europe and North America, we’ll probably have to wait a few months before the 2025 Refresh arrives here - likely in the early summer months.
Tesla won’t keep people waiting too long - after all, it's the much-awaited refresh of the world’s best-selling vehicle. We’re super excited to see more of it and hopefully get our hands on it for a test drive in the future.
With the Model Y Juniper closer than ever, with production potentially beginning as soon as this month at Giga Shanghai, it is time to put all the cards on the table and take a look at everything we know about Project Juniper before it becomes a reality.
To make this easy, we’ll break this down into sections and then expand into what we know, what we expect, and any remaining rumors. This page should be a one-stop shop for everything we know about Project Juniper.
Battery & Range
Let’s kick off with the battery. While there were initial reports that Juniper could potentially get a 95kWh battery, this is relatively unlikely. The Model Y is aimed to replace the average SUV, which means that it has to compete against other SUVs in both price and range.
While the Model Y doesn’t take any trophies for range, it is priced attractively throughout the world, and this is one of the key reasons that it has been the best-selling vehicle globally in back-to-back years.
Instead, we’d go ahead and take a more conservative estimate and assume that the Model Y Juniper’s range will sit fairly close to the current vehicles. At best, a 10% range increase can likely be expected. Here’s our take in the table below.
Variant
Current Model Y
Model Y Juniper
Long Range Rear Wheel Drive
337mi
350mi
Long Range All Wheel Drive
320mi
340mi
Performance
311mi
330mi
In addition, Tesla will most likely use the same pack that currently exists in the Model 3 Highland - the two vehicles share many similar parts. This parts similarity offers Tesla the ability to rapidly and quickly scale vehicle production while also cutting down on production and service costs due to part sharing.
Changing to new battery tech, like the upcoming NC20s could be a possibility, but Tesla has previously mentioned they don’t expect to introduce these until at least late 2026. Instead, we’ll probably see updated versions of the CATL 6M packs for the RWD variant and 2170 cells from Panasonic or LG in the other two variants.
Wireless Charging Contacts
The Cybertruck shipped with a set of internal connectors to prepare it for a future retrofit for Tesla’s Wireless Charger - and we’re hoping to see this in the Model Y Juniper as well. After all, why not future-proof newer vehicles for robotaxi capabilities like wireless charging if the Cybertruck already has support?
Adaptive Suspension & Track Mode V3
The Model 3 Highland’s performance variant arrived with frequency-selective damping suspension, while the overall Highland package was improved with softer springs and a smoother ride. Plus, tuning for suspension options arrived in the Dynamics menu, enabling owners to tighten up or loosen up their ride based on what they felt most comfortable with.
Further tuning was enabled in Track Mode V3, which provided even more options and more control over vehicle endurance than Track Mode V2. Track Mode V3 will be a big jump for the Model Y Juniper, so we’re excited to see what they do here.
Light Bars & Front Fascia
All the leaked images we have seen of Juniper so far have given us a good perspective on what really looks like a light bar, and the latest uncovered leak confirms what we already suspected.
The two lights, upper and lower.
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Similar to the Cybertruck, the front light bar acts as daytime running lights, while the lower mounted lights act as the actual low beams and high beams. What’s interesting is that the newly uncovered photos reveal what looks like two gaps in the light bar. Most Tesla fans agree that it’s not a great look and would much rather have a continuous light bar across the front of the vehicle.
On the rear side, we’ve also seen a rear light bar in some leaked images, but others show a totally different rear design that doesn’t integrate a light bar but instead has a one-piece tail light and a set of bottom lights. We’re not quite where Tesla will go with the rear, but it's likely to be the one-piece + set of bottom lights, as the bottom lights are a legal requirement in North America, Europe, and China.
Abomb1997 on Reddit
Performance-Only Fascia
The Model 3 Highland’s performance variant received an updated fascia that helps direct air to the wheels and brakes for cooling - and we expect a similarly designed, more aggressive fascia to arrive with the Performance variant of Juniper.
Interior
The Model 3 Highland received fantastic interior upgrades, so we expect to see most, if not all of them arrive on the Model Y Juniper as well.
Ventilated Seats
Just like the Model 3 Highland, we expect Juniper will be equipped with ventilated seats, which brings a fairly premium-level feature to a vehicle more aimed at the mass market. Ventilated seats have always been a big ask from customers, and the Model 3 receiving them was a good sign that this feature will make its way into the Model Y Juniper as well.
Updated Steering Wheel
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A new photo of the interior not only shows off a stalkless steering wheel with the primary shifter moved over to the screen but also reveals a squircle steering wheel. It’s not clear whether this will make its way to production, but given all the changes to Juniper when compared to the new Model 3, it wouldn’t be surprising if Tesla added another unique feature to the upcoming 2025 Model Y.
If you really miss those turn stalks - we recommend taking a look at Enhauto’s S3XY stalks, which are launching in early 2025! However, make sure you give the signal buttons a try - while they take some time to get used to, they are pretty nice!
Rear Screen
The Model 3 Highland finally brought with it a rear screen to all its variants usable for gaming, media content, and controlling rear climate. It’s a convenient and fantastic update that helps the Model 3 feel just a little more premium.
We expect the rear screen to also make its way to the Model Y Juniper, and costs little to nothing for Tesla to add, as it is run off the main infotainment computer. It actually probably benefits Tesla, as it increases the demand for rear passengers to be able to watch YouTube, Netflix, or something else - which requires Tesla’s Premium Connectivity,
Ambient Lighting
Another set of leaked images also showed off the interior ambient lighting - it looked different enough from the Model 3 to not be the same vehicle. The interior ambient lighting in Juniper seems to go midway down the door rather than ending at the very edge of the door.
Take this one with a grain of salt, though - as this was likely a very early prototype, and the leaked images are from July. Six months is a lot of time to make a lot of changes to a vehicle - especially since Tesla has already introduced ambient lighting in the Chinese Model Y.
6 Seat Variant
A report from a Chinese paper mentioned that a 6-seat variant of the Model Y would make its way to the production lines sometime in late 2025. Reuters also reported that this variant would be a Chinese-exclusive version, but we’re hoping to see this make its way to North America and Europe as well - especially since the 7-seat variant can be extremely cramped.
More Speakers
Tesla puts a lot of effort into their sound systems - fine-tuning them to sound far better than most third-party solutions in other vehicles. The Highland brought with it an additional 3 speakers for the Long Range and Performance variants, and the updated Model Y Juniper will likely have the same additional set of speakers.
FSD Hardware
While the updated Model Y is expected to have a new front bumper camera and a rear camera that’s placed on the trunk lid instead of above the license plate, we don’t expect any other changes on the FSD front.
That means we can expect that AI4 will be powering the Juniper Y, just like the rest of the Tesla fleet, at least for the time being. If you were hoping to hop onto the latest and greatest FSD hardware with the launch of the Juniper, you may be disappointed.
Instead, you could look forward to Unsupervised FSD making its way to AI4 vehicles sometime in 2025, especially with Tesla looking to deploy robotaxis in the United States already.
Bumper Camera
One big change that we could expect is the arrival of the bumper camera. The prototypes spotted earlier in the year had what appeared to be a camera on the bumper, similar to the one mounted on the Cybertruck. Cybertruck doesn’t actually use this camera for FSD but does use it for Autopark. We were also expecting updated versions of the Model S and Model X with the bumper camera, but we have yet to see that change being made - so it could be that the bumper camera remains Cybertruck exclusive for now.
However, it would be a fantastically beneficial change, and while it isn’t clear whether the bumper camera will make it to production, we at least know Tesla has been considering adding it.
Wrap-Up
That’s everything we know without diving too deep into numerous rumors. We actually did a rumour round-up recently, so if you’re interested in seeing what our research dug up on the Model Y Juniper, check it out here.
It shouldn’t be long now until Tesla officially unveils the new 2025 Model Y — Project Juniper.
