Tesla China Unveils New Details for Project Juniper; FSD Testing Delayed in China
Tesla enthusiasts were treated to a new wave of leaks today, revealing intriguing updates on Project Juniper—the highly anticipated refresh of the Model Y. The information, leaked by Chris Zheng, a well-known source for Tesla China news, has sparked excitement and speculation within the community.
Insights on Project Juniper
Chris Zheng, who has consistently provided accurate information about Tesla’s operations in China, shared some key updates on the Juniper project via X (formerly known as Twitter). The leaks primarily focus on potential changes to the Model Y’s battery and seating configuration.
The first significant point is an “adjustment” to the battery size in the refreshed Model Y. While the specifics remain unclear—whether it’s a larger capacity, a different battery chemistry, or just a new size—we speculate that the upgrade might align with the 10% range increase observed in the Model 3 Highland Refresh. Such an enhancement would position the new Model Y as a more competitive offering in the EV market.
Another intriguing detail is the introduction of a unique 7-seat configuration tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Unlike the global versions, this China-exclusive model is designed to cater to local preferences, with Tesla planning to produce 20,000 units per month. The staggered rollout of the refreshed Model Y is also noteworthy. The 5-seater version is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2025, while the 7-seater variant will follow later, in the fourth quarter of the same year. It's possible that a performance model could debut between these two releases, offering even more options for Tesla fans.
FSD Testing Paused in China
In addition to the Juniper leaks, Zheng revealed that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) testing in China has been temporarily put on hold. Although no specific reasons were provided, this delay is significant, especially since Tesla had previously received regulatory approval to begin FSD trials in the country this year. The hold could indicate logistical or regulatory challenges, or perhaps a recalibration of Tesla's approach to FSD in the Chinese market.
As Tesla gears up for the launch of the refreshed Model Y, we can expect more details to emerge in the coming months. For now, these leaks offer a tantalizing glimpse into what’s to come for one of Tesla’s most popular vehicles.
