Tesla Model Y Juniper - Everything We Know Thanks to Latest Leaks

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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.

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.

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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.

AI4, not AI5

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While Elon initially said that AI5 FSD computers would be about 18 months out this summer, we expect the updated Juniper Y will launch far before that, and Tesla will likely perform a similar rollover as what occurred between HW3 and AI4.

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.

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Tesla Officially Unveils Bigger, 6-Seater Model Y L

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Tesla has unveiled its 6-seat Model Y variant in China, known as the Model Y L. This new variant of one of the world’s best-selling vehicles comes with a longer wheelbase, adjusted C-pillar design, and most importantly, a six-seat interior layout.

The vehicle’s specifications have been officially listed in a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), confirming a launch for this fall.

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The addition of a longer wheelbase and a more spacious third row is a fantastic addition for the Model Y’s family utility, and positions this variant as sort of a mini Model X, but let’s compare the sizes to really know how this new Model Y compares to a Model X.

Meet the Model Y L

The defining feature of the new Model Y L is its six-seat configuration. This layout has previously been exclusive to the larger and more expensive Model X. While Tesla has offered the Model Y in a 7-seat configuration before, the third row was much too small to be utilized by anyone but small children.

Comparing Model Y L to the Model X

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Let’s compare this upcoming Model Y L to the regular Model Y and the Model X.

The new wheelbase of 3,040mm is a significant stretch from the standard wheelbase, and in fact, is longer than the Model X’s wheelbase of 2,965mm. However, the overall length of the vehicle is 84mm (~3 inches) shorter than the Model X. This means the vehicle sits neatly between the current Model Y and Model X, filling a much-needed gap.

While this Model Y L is slightly smaller than the Model X, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s smaller inside. The Model X features a much larger front end than the Model Y, accounting for several inches. When you line up the front wheel base of the Model X with this new Model Y, the vehicles are almost exactly the same length.

Tesla has designed this Model Y to be a bit more compact and efficient than the Model X, and likely much cheaper, while featuring the well-loved design of the new Model Y.

Other Specifications and Price

The MIIT filing also provided a detailed look at some additional specifications. The Model Y L is a dual-motor, AWD variant, so it will likely be more expensive than the current Model Y AWD that’s available in China today. Tesla charges an additional $6,500 USD when upgrading the Model X from a 5-seat configuration to a 6-seat layout, so we may see something similar here.

The extra length has been added behind the C-pillar, resulting in a longer rear profile for the Model Y L. To accompany this, Tesla has added an updated rear spoiler, similar to the one found on Performance variants, but not carbon fiber. There is also a new wheel design to complement the updated look, along with unique Model Y L badging and a new light gold paint option.

In classic Tesla fashion, no Tesla is slow - and the Y L has a 0-100 km/h (0-60mph) time of 5.9s, with a top speed of 217km/h. Alongside an 82.5 kWh LFP battery pack, the Model Y L boasts an impressive CLTC range of 688 km (427 mi).

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Launch & Availability

According to posts from Tesla China on Chinese social media, the new Model Y L is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025. Its official listing in the MIIT database is essentially the final regulatory step required before sales can begin, which means the launch is really just around the corner. For now, it appears that Tesla intends to launch this vehicle only in China, as no other filings have been made in other regions. However, these could be revealed in the coming months.

The new Model Y L is a huge addition to Tesla’s lineup - one that addresses the Chinese preference for vehicles with longer wheelbases and additional passenger room in a compact SUV package. The question is - will this variant make its way to North America and Europe?

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Tesla’s Dojo 2 Supercomputer Chip Enters Mass Production

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Solving real-world artificial intelligence - whether for autonomous driving, real-world robotics, or advanced reasoning - requires an almost unfathomable amount of computational power. To meet this challenge, Tesla has been developing its own custom AI training hardware while simultaneously purchasing hardware in the open market.

Now, the next-generation Dojo 2 chip has reportedly entered mass production with the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC. While many may consider this a side quest, expanding Tesla’s computing base will be necessary to achieve exascale supercomputing, which will be crucial for all of Tesla’s AI ambitions.

Elon Musk called Dojo 2 “a good computer,” and then followed up with a classic computer performance joke - Dojo 2 can indeed play Crysis at a billion frames per second.

Can play Crysis at a billion frames per second

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2025

Exascale AI: FSD, Optimus, and More

While Tesla has effectively utilized powerful third-party GPUs to train its models to date, the Dojo supercomputer is a ground-up, application-specific solution designed for a single purpose. It will efficiently process massive amounts of video data for training neural networks. The Dojo 2 chip itself is the key that unlocks this potential.

Dojo 2 will train the vision-based neural nets that FSD relies on, allowing Tesla to process video from its massive global fleet of vehicles even faster. As Tesla continues to improve FSD, one of the biggest challenges has been the intake of video for handling difficult edge cases.

Hundreds of thousands of miles of training data may pass by before an edge case is identified and trained on, but it all needs to be analyzed, labeled, and processed, which is key for Dojo 2. Each new useful piece of training data will help Tesla proceed down the march of 9s, making FSD just that little bit better every time.

This process requires massive amounts of compute and training time - but it is an absolute necessity to improve FSD. Of course, this goes beyond just FSD in vehicles. Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, also runs on FSD to navigate and interact with the physical world. 

While it may be a custom version of FSD, it remains FSD at its core, which means the same neural nets that analyze the environment and build a 3D map of the world for your car perform the same work for Optimus.

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Custom Approach to AI Hardware

Dojo 2’s power doesn’t just come from raw compute; it comes from a series of architectural choices that make it excel at training FSD and differentiate it from general-purpose hardware, or even other AI-specific hardware.

To this end, Tesla is using TSMC’s new Integrated Fan-Out with Silicon-on-Wafer (InFO-SoW) packaging technology. For massive AI workloads, heat and the speed at which data moves between chips are often the biggest bottlenecks.

This new packaging technique allows for high-bandwidth connections directly between processing dies, which lowers latency and dramatically improves heat dissipation, all key to building massive and dense compute clusters.

Unlike general-purpose chips, Dojo 2 is designed with a custom instruction set, specifically built to train FSD. The cores are specifically made to accelerate the exact mathematical operations, like matrix multiples and systolic arrays, which form the backbone of Tesla’s vision-based neural networks.

By building its own hardware, Tesla can then integrate its own software and compilers directly with the silicon, optimizing for specific workloads and avoiding the performance penalties that can result from using third-party software, such as Nvidia’s CUDA.

The start of Dojo 2 may seem like a side quest for some, but it’s actually a key step for Tesla’s AI technologies that give them an advantage over the competition using off-the-shelf hardware. They’ll need to continue investing in custom hardware to improve FSD at a reasonable pace, rather than the current glacial pace we’ve seen over the last few months.

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