A refreshed Tesla Model Y was spotted over the weekend, but that does not necessarily mean it will come out anytime soon.
We reported on the sighting of a potential Model Y refresh, known as “Project Juniper,” this past weekend. However, although it could potentially be an early rendition of what Tesla could do to bring a new look and new features to its most popular car, it will take some time for it to hit production lines and make it to the public.
Credit: u/JackIJack | Reddit
In June 2022, Tesla started preparing its Fremont Factory for upgraded production lines that would allow the plant to begin producing the Model 3 Highland.
It took over 18 months for the vehicle to arrive in U.S. showrooms, mostly because of its new features, line upgrades at various factories, and Tesla’s prioritization of the Cybertruck.
Yet, here we are once again. The Model Y is likely due for a slightly new look and some more refined features, and it could pay off in the long run as it has already overtaken every vehicle on Earth in terms of global sales. Last year, it was the best-selling vehicle in the world.
Why We Won’t See the Model Y Refresh Anytime Soon
There are a few reasons why the public won’t be able to buy this vehicle anytime soon.
Robotaxi and Next-Gen Platform are Priority
Initially, Tesla is preparing for its August 8 unveiling of the Robotaxi, which will be its main focus as the automaker has already admitted its priority is the next-generation platform.
Tesla’s main goal for the next few years will be to develop this platform, initiating its next phase of growth as a company. A lot has been made of its delivery numbers this year, which do not seem like they will outpace the figures it reported in 2023.
Tesla reports Q2 delivery and production figures, beating estimates
However, Tesla is not concerned about this. It admitted that its growth rate would be lower over the duration of the next-gen platform’s development.
Once the Robotaxi and another mass-market vehicle are created, which should be offered at a price point below $30,000, Tesla will see those delivery numbers go up.
The Model Y will still perform well, and it’s still a desirable vehicle. There is no reason to prioritize a refresh for it at this juncture, especially because the difference in sales will be relatively small.
Tesla has already said it’s not coming this year
Tesla is not the best at managing timelines, and anyone who has followed the company for any length of time knows that.
With that being said, CEO Elon Musk has already confirmed the Model Y refresh is not coming this year. However, that does indirectly confirm it is coming eventually.
Musk reiterates that Model Y refresh is not coming this year
Musk mentioned that there are constant improvements every six months when he said this, but this does not necessarily include vast cosmetic differences. From a visual standpoint, it’s the same.
So if not now, when?
It’s safe to assume that 2026 would be a good guess for the Model Y Juniper. Basing this off of the prioritization of Robotaxi and the next-gen platform, along with what the Model 3 Highland went through from start to finish, it would be best to expect it after 2025.
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Elon Musk
Tesla China posts strong February wholesale growth at Gigafactory Shanghai
The update was shared by Tesla observers on social media platform X, citing monthly China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data.
Tesla China sold 58,599 vehicles wholesale in February, reflecting strong year-over-year growth. The figure includes both domestic deliveries in China and vehicles exported to international markets.
The update was shared by Tesla observers on social media platform X, citing monthly China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data.
Tesla’s February wholesale result represents a 91% increase year over year, compared with 30,688 vehicles in February 2025. Month over month, the result was down 15.2% from January, when Tesla China recorded 69,129 wholesale units.
The February total reflects combined sales of the Model 3 and Model Y produced at Gigafactory Shanghai. The facility produces the two vehicles for both domestic sales and exports.
Gigafactory Shanghai continues to serve as Tesla’s primary vehicle export hub, supplying vehicles to markets across Asia and Europe. Data compiled by Tesla watchers shows that 18,485 vehicles were sold domestically in China in January 2026, while exports accounted for 50,644 units during the same period.
Tesla has also been extending financing programs in China as it pushes to strengthen domestic demand. The company recently extended its seven-year ultra-low-interest and five-year interest-free financing programs through March 31, marking the second extension of the promotion this year.
The financing initiative was first introduced on January 6 as a strategy aimed at offsetting higher ownership costs ahead of China’s planned 5% NEV purchase tax in 2026. The promotion was originally scheduled to expire at the end of January before being extended to February and then again through the end of the first quarter.
Tesla’s efforts come amid growing competition in China’s EV market. According to data compiled by CNEV Post, Tesla’s 2025 retail sales in China reached 625,698 vehicles, representing a 4.78% year-over-year decline. Part of that decline was linked to the Model Y changeover to its updated variant in early 2025, which temporarily reduced deliveries during the transition period.
News
Tesla Model Y L spotted on transport trucks in Australia
One of the sightings was reported along Victoria Parade in Melbourne, and it showed multiple Model Y L vehicles on a transport carrier.
Tesla’s upcoming Model Y L has been spotted on transport trucks in Australia. Sightings of the six-seat extended wheelbase Model Y variant have been reported on social media platform X by members of the Australian Tesla community.
One of the sightings was reported along Victoria Parade in Melbourne, and it showed multiple Model Y L vehicles on a transport carrier.
The sighting follows earlier observations by Tesla enthusiasts in Sydney, where a covered vehicle believed to be a Model Y L was spotted at a Supercharger.
The Sydney sighting drew attention after observers noted that the vehicle’s tare weight appeared to match the ADR approval listing for the Model Y L, suggesting it could indeed be the extended wheelbase variant of the electric SUV.
Tesla has previously confirmed that the Model Y L will launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2026. The confirmation was reported by techAU following a media release from Tesla Australia and New Zealand.
The Model Y L expands the existing Model Y lineup with seating for six passengers. The vehicle features a longer body compared with the standard Model Y in order to accommodate a spacious second and third row.
Tesla has opted for a 2-2-2 seating configuration instead of a traditional seven-seat layout for the Model Y L. The design includes two individual seats in the middle row to provide easier access to the third row and additional passenger space.
Tesla Australia and New Zealand has also stated that the Model Y L will be covered under the company’s updated warranty structure beginning in 2026.
Tesla has not yet announced pricing or official range figures for the Model Y L in Australia.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk shares timeframe for X Money early public access rollout
X Money is expected to enable financial transactions within the app, expanding the platform’s capabilities beyond social media features.
Elon Musk has stated that X Money, the digital payments system being developed for social media platform X, is expected to enter early public access next month.
The update was shared by Musk in a post on X. “𝕏 Money early public access will launch next month,” Musk wrote in his post.
As noted in a Reuters report, X Money is being developed as a digital payment service that’s directly integrated into the X platform.
The system is expected to enable financial transactions within the app, expanding the platform’s capabilities beyond social media features.
Musk has previously discussed plans to introduce payments and financial services as part of X’s broader development.
Since acquiring the platform in 2022, Musk has discussed expanding X to include a range of services such as messaging, media, and financial tools.
Elon Musk has shared his goal of transforming X into an “everything app.” During a previous podcast interview with members of the Tesla community, Musk mused about turning X into something similar to China’s WeChat, which allows users to shop, pay, communicate, and perform a variety of other tasks.
“In China, you do everything in WeChat… it’s kickass… Outside of China, there’s nothing like it, people live on one app. My idea would be like how about if we just copy WeChat,” Musk joked at the time.
To prepare for the rollout of X Money, X has partnered with payment company Visa to support the development of payment services for the platform’s users. The move could allow X to tap into the growing demand for digital and in-app financial transactions as the company builds additional services around its existing user base.
Tesla China posts strong February wholesale growth at Gigafactory Shanghai
Tesla Model Y L spotted on transport trucks in Australia
