Updated 2025 Tesla Model Y to enter production this month: Long awaited 'Juniper' update preparing to launch onto Australian roads to battle newcomers such as the Deepal S07 Xpeng G6 and incoming BYD Sealion 7: report

Production of the Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ could begin at the brand’s Shanghai gigafactory in days, according to reports.

CarNewsChina is reporting that sources close to the factory have said a limited production of the upgraded model will commence on October 22, with a production volume of just 12 vehicles per day and tightly restricted mobile phone access.

If the rumour is true, it suggests full-scale production at Tesla’s Shanghai factory – where Teslas for the Australian market are produced – is close, and likely to commence in the first half of 2025.

At this stage it is unclear exactly what upgrades are in store, though judging by spy shots, speculation and the upgraded Tesla Model 3 there is an idea of what to expect.

For starters, CarNewsChina is reporting that a 96kWh battery pack could be in the works, potentially for the updated Long-Range and Performance variants.

At the moment, there are only two battery options: a 60kWh unit for the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive, or an 80kWh unit for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance variants.

It is likely range will increase across the board thanks to the bigger battery, which will also be boosted by some aerodynamic tuning, as was witnessed on the Model 3.

That could see range increase from 455km to about 470km on the entry-level variant, and the bigger battery could translate to a range of more than 600km on the Long Range version.

The standard model carries an output of 220kW/440Nm, while the Long-Range variants’ is 286kW/510Nm, but those figures aren't expected to change.

Suspension upgrades are on the cards too, with the Model 3 having added some revised bushings, new front knuckles, frequency selective dampers and improved body baffling for an improved ride and reduced cabin noise.

Exclusive aerodynamics upgrades and unique adaptive dampers are also expected for the Performance variant.

The design of the new Model Y is also thought to emulate the new Model 3, which received significant cosmetic upgrades in late 2023.

That means it will likely have a sleeker front end and rear design with new-look headlights, tail-lights and T-E-S-L-A embossed branding at the rear.

Leaked images of the Model Y have revealed it could have a rear light bar, similar to what is offered on the Cybertruck.

Inside, Tesla will likely scrap the indicator and gear lever stalk from the steering wheel column in favour of buttons on the steering wheel and touchscreen gear shift controls.

An 8.0-inch media screen is also rumoured to be earmarked for the second row for passenger climate controls, while ambient lighting could add up to 200 interior colours.

It’s uncertain how much the updated Model Y will cost, particularly after the three price cuts staged across the range this year.

Having said that, expect it to come in at a few thousand more than the current model, which starts at $55,900 before on-road costs for the Standard Range, rising to $69,900 and $82,900 for the Long-Range and Performance variants, both at before on-road costs.

As the segment’s leader in sales, Tesla will want to keep the updated Model Y competitively priced, particularly given how quickly the electric SUV segment has grown.

When it arrived in Australia in 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the Model Y’s only competitor. That has since grown to the Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, Ford Mustang Mach-E and soon the Xpeng G6 and Leapmotor C10.