Marketed in early 2025 and soon to be revealed, the restyled Tesla Model Y has apparently leaked its entry-level battery.
We know Tesla and BYD are engaged in a fight to the death, with the Chinese giant having clearly taken the title of leading electric vehicle manufacturer in the world by 2024. From then on, the idea for Tesla is to close the tap on battery deliveries to its rival. An obvious logic of industrial and commercial secrecy.
Then, one of the big outstanding questions was the renewal or not of the Tesla Model Y Propulsion (understand small battery) when it is renewed in 2025. The Juniper project, code name given to this aesthetic and technological facelift of the Model Y, is expected for a reveal at the end of 2024 for production almost immediately. In China and elsewhere, test examples have already been seen on the streets and protected by camouflage.
An orchestrated escape?
Tesla now has more than just friends in the automotive world, and the leaked information regarding the change of battery supplier is of concern. We therefore learn that the Model Y and Model 3 will no longer have, in 2025, a BYD battery version but a CATL one. Then, the Propulsion version will see its pack evolve to go from 60.1 to 62.5 kWh capacity, a minimal increase of 4%. Not enough to revolutionize autonomy on paper, but there are reasons to be more optimistic.
Thus, energy management will be much better and the aerodynamic profile of the Model Y Juniper will be more polished as well. We were able to verify this with the Model 3 in 2024 with a jump in autonomy. Thus, the Model Y Propulsion version should now promise 500 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
Another advantage is that CATL batteries would accept higher charging powers to reduce waiting times at Superchargers during long journeys. Double benefit: less time wasted for customers, and fewer traffic jams at terminals. This phenomenon is not very marked in France or in Europe, but not in the United States where tragedies have already taken place with murders with customers losing their temper.
Made in China
The battery would have a more stable LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry than that of BYD. This would result in a lower mass of around 20 kg. It may not seem like much, but carry around 20 kg of water pack and you will see how much energy it will cost you. Less weight means less energy spent moving forward, as well as better cushioning comfort, road dynamics and active safety (braking in particular).
American customers should not benefit from this new battery due to the protectionism put in place towards Chinese batteries. In Europe and China, conversely, we will be entitled to it.
READ ALSO: Your Model Y delivered before December 31, 2024, Tesla offers 1 year free Supercharger
