We know the battery of the Tesla Model Y Dual Motor Juniper

Set to be released in early 2025 and soon to be revealed, the restyled Tesla Model Y appears to have leaked its entry-level battery.

We know Tesla and BYD are engaged in a fierce battle, with the Chinese giant having clearly taken the lead in 2024 as the world’s top electric vehicle manufacturer. Consequently, Tesla’s idea is to cut off its rival’s battery supply, a clear strategy of industrial and commercial secrecy.

One of the big ongoing questions was whether the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (understood as the small battery version) would be continued or not in its renewal scheduled for 2025. The Juniper project, the code name for this aesthetic and technological facelift of the Model Y, is expected to be revealed by the end of 2024, with production starting almost immediately afterward. In China and elsewhere, test units have already been spotted on the streets, camouflaged.

Orchestrated Leak?

Tesla no longer counts all friends in the automotive world, and the leaked information about a change in battery supplier raises questions. It appears that the Model Y and Model 3 will no longer feature BYD batteries in 2025 but will instead use CATL. Additionally, the Rear-Wheel Drive version will see its pack capacity increase from 60.1 to 62.5 kWh, a modest 4% boost. This isn’t revolutionary on paper, but there are reasons to be more optimistic.

As a result, energy management will be much improved, and the aerodynamic profile of the Juniper Model Y is also expected to be more refined. We saw similar improvements with the Model 3 in 2024, with a significant increase in range. Therefore, the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive is now expected to promise 500 kilometers in WLTP cycle.

Another benefit is that CATL batteries are said to accept higher charging powers, which can reduce charging times at Superchargers during long trips. Double advantage: less time wasted for customers, and less congestion at charging stations. This phenomenon is less pronounced in France and Europe but more so in the United States, where some tragic incidents have occurred involving clients losing their composure.

Made in China

The battery is said to have a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is more stable than BYD’s. This could result in roughly 20 kg less weight. It may seem little, but carry around 20 kg of water packs and see how much energy it costs. Less weight means less energy required for movement, as well as improved riding comfort, road handling, and active safety features (notably braking).

American customers are unlikely to benefit from this new battery due to protectionist policies against Chinese batteries. Conversely, in Europe and China, this upgrade will be available.