Tesla’s refreshed Model Y Juniper has received certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, confirming its official driving range.
This update is more than just a minor facelift. The vehicle has undergone significant improvements in design, performance, and range, which has drawn strong consumer interest.
Extended Range and Improved Battery Efficiency
Tesla previously introduced the Model Y Juniper in the global market with two variants: the rear-wheel drive (RWD) and the long-range all-wheel drive (AWD).
Initial estimates based on WLTP standards projected a range of 466 km (290 miles) for the RWD model and 551 km (342 miles) for the Long Range AWD.
However, certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Environment reveals that the RWD model achieves a combined range of 400 km (248 miles) (414 km city, 257 miles; 384 km highway, 239 miles), while the Long Range AWD offers 500 km (310 miles) (522 km city, 324 miles; 474 km highway, 295 miles).
Notably, the Long Range AWD model’s range is 3% greater than its predecessor’s, which is attributed to enhanced battery efficiency.
Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, stated that new wheels and tires played a key role in boosting efficiency, leading to an estimated 10% improvement in real-world driving performance.
The vehicle also supports fast charging, giving it up to 266 km (165 miles) of range in just 15 minutes, reducing concerns about long-distance travel.
Redesigned Exterior and Interior
The Model Y Juniper features a significantly updated design.
The front has been completely redesigned, incorporating an LED light bar inspired by Tesla’s Cybertruck and Cyberquad.
The rear also features a full-width light bar and a redesigned bumper, giving the vehicle a modern, refreshed look.
The interior has also been extensively upgraded. The center display has been enlarged to 15.4 inches, and an additional 8-inch touchscreen has been added for rear passengers.
Additional improvements include power-folding rear seats, an enhanced frunk (front trunk), and a new drainage plug for convenience.
Ride quality has also been refined. Like the Model 3 Highland, the Model Y Juniper features a redesigned suspension system for a smoother ride.
While handling grip may be slightly reduced, industry experts expect the performance version to incorporate a stiffer suspension setup to maintain its sporty dynamics.
The market is now watching closely to see if the Model Y Juniper can reverse Tesla’s recent sales decline in the region.
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