Latest news with #ModelYJuniper
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla bulls have been waiting years for this day: Elon Musk finally reveals date for his robotaxi pilot launch
The CEO said public rides are 'tentatively' planned to begin on June 22, an early birthday present for an entrepreneur that has chased the dream of full self-driving for nearly a decade. Tesla may not have the lead over Waymo in the autonomous ride-hailing market right now, but it could quickly eclipse it thanks to a unique, high-risk approach. The viral video of a Tesla driverless car cruising the streets of Austin lasted fewer than 10 seconds, but even that was enough to make grown men emotional. Farzad Mesbahi jumped into his Cybertruck and sped downtown, hunting for a glimpse of a driverless Model Y Juniper. Clips of the vehicle—turning west onto James Street from South Congress Avenue—began circulating online just a day after Austin officially listed Elon Musk's company as a technology tester. While Mesbahi, himself a former Tesla employee, gave up after a half-hour in the heat, he agreed with many bulls that the day would prove historic. 'This has been part of the [investment] thesis for a really, really long time,' he later told a podcast, explaining why he livestreamed his search for the elusive black crossover with the word 'Robotaxi' emblazoned on the door. The widely-shared nine-second clip already has over 15 million views on Musk's own X platform. When asked by a fan 'drooling over that one tiny clip' when public rides would start, the Tesla CEO also finally provided the first clear launch date. 'Tentatively June 22,' he wrote. 'We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.' But if it does end up being postponed, it likely won't be by much. The first Tesla that drives itself from the factory to a customer's house, Musk stated, would be June 28—coinciding with the entrepreneur's 54th birthday (how far a drive that would be, he notably left out, since Teslas cannot recharge themselves). Wedbush tech analyst praised Musk for shrewdly timing his 'apology tour with Trump' so as not to grab headlines away from the Austin pilot launch or otherwise risk the rollout. 'We believe Tesla could reach a $2 trillion market cap by the end of 2026 in a bull case scenario,' wrote Ives on Wednesday. That would mean the stock price doubles in the next 18 months. For years Tesla has claimed it was on the cusp of solving unsupervised full self-driving, or FSD. When the company first launched FSD in late 2016 using a staged video it has since taken down, Tesla claimed the technology was already there—all it needed was to validate the software. Six years ago, Musk already felt comfortable enough to predict he would have 1 million robotaxis on the road by 2020. Since then Tesla has undergone two full hardware upgrades to its AI inference computer, now in its fourth generation. Its FSD software is on its 13th iteration, not counting the myriad minor releases in between. In the meantime, it scrapped its previous approach of painstakingly coding commands in C++ language to adopt an AI-only approach and trained on its own Nvidia cluster, dubbed Cortex. It's important to note that Tesla is certainly not the first to launch a robotaxi pilot—Waymo has already graduated past testing to deploy its fleet commercially in several selected cities. The significance then isn't so much that Tesla may have potentially solved autonomous driving at long last—although that would be a major accomplishment in its own right—it's Tesla's ability to scale its fleet almost instantaneously that makes the launch so important. Unlike competitors, Tesla doesn't rely on multiple, expensive lidars and a host of radars that adorn each Waymo or Zoox robotaxi to precisely scan their environments in real time using laser beams and sound waves, in addition to other sensors. Instead it relies solely on artificial intelligence to make sense of the two-dimensional images provided by its comparatively affordable cameras as eyes. Critics have long argued this is a high-risk gamble, however, since there's no guaranteeing regulators would green-light robotaxis that lack a sensor suite as backup should the cameras fail. 'That car you can buy right now for like 38 grand,' Mesbahi said about the Austin robotaxi vehicle captured in the video, 'and that car is doing self-driving.' In fact, it's not just the newer, refreshed Model Y that should be capable of FSD. Once Musks feel it's safe enough, Tesla could push out its latest version of the software overnight to the hundreds of thousands of cars already on U.S. roads, so long as they are equipped with its fourth-gen AI inference computer commonly known as HW4. That's because of a prescient decision made many years ago by the CEO to buck the usual industry practice of only equipping hardware a customer orders on purchase. Instead he had Tesla install these computers on every single vehicle that rolls off the factory line—whether a customer wanted it or not. While this cost Tesla extra, it would ensure older vehicles would be updatable and upgradable for the day when unsupervised full self-driving finally rolled out. Musk has called this Tesla's 'ChatGPT moment.' Just to remove any final doubt he might be hiding anything, Musk explicitly stated that the Model Y robotaxi pictured in the clip was standard-issue and did not feature any concealed hardware. 'These are unmodified Tesla cars coming straight from the factory,' Musk said. This story was originally featured on
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla's Three-Row Model Y Is Coming Back, But Is It Worth It?
But for some families, this could be welcome news. Does Cramming Extra Seats In The Model Y Make Sense? The updated Tesla Model Y Juniper was revealed earlier this year, with changes including Cybertruck-inspired styling and a refined interior, all aimed at helping this electric crossover maintain its best-seller status. What the Model Y Juniper did not offer was the option of a third seating row, as had been available on the pre-facelift version. Well, a new Tesla customer email shared on Twitter shows that this option is returning, but this is one box we'd leave unticked if we were buying a Model Y. Oops! We're unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 A Third Row Unfit For Adults Source: Tesla The Juniper isn't an all-new model, so shares the same exterior dimensions with the pre-facelift Model Y. That means it shares the same amount of interior space, too. Looking at the data, the three-row Model Y has only 26.5 inches of third-row legroom and 34.6 inches of headroom. For some perspective, the Toyota GR86 – which is technically a small 2+2 sports car – has more legroom at the back than this Model Y does in its third row. You can free up more third-row legroom if those in the second row are willing to move their seats forward, but this impacts their comfort levels. While smaller adults and teens can technically fit in there, the space is unbelievably cramped and claustrophobic. Most will find their heads pressed up against the back window, and if the car stops suddenly, it's easy to bash your forehead into the low roof panel. The only real use we can see for this third row is if you will often be transporting two smaller young kids. Third Row Eats Into Cargo Space, Too Source: Tesla Whereas the five-seater Model Y Juniper has 29 cubic feet of trunk space behind the second row, the pre-facelift seven-seater model has 26.6 cubes. Admittedly, this is still an acceptable size for what isn't a large vehicle. If the third row of seats are in use, the cargo capacity shrinks to 12.8 cubes. How Much Will The Three-Row Option Be? Tesla Model Y Juniper — Source: Tesla Previously, pricing for the three-row Model Y added $2,000 to $2,500 more to the MSRP, depending on exactly when the car was purchased. Looking at the current Long Range Rear-Wheel-Drive variant, it costs $44,990, so will be closer to $47k with the option installed, assuming similar pricing for the Juniper. Ultimately, unless you have a very specific use case – regularly transporting two kids in the third row – we'd suggest buying a more spacious three-row SUV. Then again, if you want to stay in the Tesla family, need three rows, and don't want to spend way more on a Model X, the Model Y with three rows is your only option. It's not known exactly when the three-row option will become available again, but we expect it to arrive soon. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Tesla Model Y Juniper faces its first recall, blame it on this tiny plastic part. Know more
A 2025 Model Y Tesla vehicle is seen in a Tesla showroom in New York City. (AFP) Notify me Tesla has recalled select numbers of its new Model Y electric crossover. The carmaker has been known for fixing the issues generally via software updates, as happened in many cases previously. However, this time, fixing the problem by software updates is not a feasible solution. The updated iteration of the Tesla Model Y has not been out for very long, but it is already getting its first recall. Just 172 units of the Tesla electric crossovers have been impacted by this problem. The updated Tesla EV, also known as Model Y Juniper, has been detected with a wiper washer fluid routing defect. The defect involves a blocked plastic elbow that stops the wiper fluid from spraying. The plastic elbow that helps route windshield wiper fluid onto the windscreen itself has been detected as defective, resulting in the issue. The problem has been traced back to a supplier error in Malaysia. While the problem is not as major as suspension components falling off or a body panel flying off, or brakes failing, it is important. The recall paperwork indicates that a dirty windshield can pose a safety risk for the driver, hindering his or her view, and if they can't clean the windshield, that could lead to a bigger issue. Tesla claims to have spotted this defect in mid-April, which resulted in an inspection of the Model Y for the same issue. It communicated with the supplier, which reportedly confirmed to the electric car manufacturer that it failed to revalidate their tooling after performing a repair, causing the defect in the suspect components. To solve the issue, Tesla will remove the old defective plastic elbow pieces and replace them with fresh and fully functional ones. However, Tesla has said that it doesn't know of any incidents or accidents related to the issue. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: 05 Jun 2025, 09:41 AM IST
Auto Blog
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla is Planning a Major Cybertruck and Model Y Production Pause
Tesla workers in Austin are about to get a major break this Memorial Day According to a new report published by Business Insider, electric car manufacturer Tesla is planning a major production pause of Cybertruck and Model Y cars at its Austin, Texas factory. Three workers working on the respective production lines told the publication that Tesla told workers to stay home for Memorial Day, an unusually long break for them. 0:06 / 0:09 Walmart is selling a 'heavy duty' $89 step ladder for $48, and shoppers say it's 'sturdy and secure' Walmart is selling a 'heavy duty' $89 step ladder for $48, and shoppers say it's 'sturdy and secure' Watch More The workers who spoke to BI said they were notified about the decision early last week. They are paid hourly and were told they could take paid time off or come into the factory for cleaning and training, but wouldn't be assembling any cars on the production line. A Tesla Cybertruck and Model Y Juniper — Source: Getty Images The long break is the latest in a pattern affecting Austin factory workers It isn't the first time Tesla has attempted to reduce Cybertruck output. In April, Tesla reduced production targets for the Cybertruck and moved some workers off its production line to work on other Tesla models, while in December, it shut the line for three days. However, workers who spoke to Business Insider noted that the long break around Memorial Day comes amid an unusual pattern of inconsistent hours and scheduling that has persisted since February. Some of them indicated that supervisors sent them home early during the workday on multiple occasions. The sources also stated that management at the Austin factory began cracking down on overtime hours. Two workers said that factory management told them they could eventually face disciplinary action if they were found clocking in overtime hours. In addition, a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice issued by the Texas Workforce Commission earlier this month noted that Trigo, a third-party contractor who licenses employees to Tesla, laid off 50 workers at the Austin factory. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Tesla faces a 'fork in the road,' an influential analyst said The news about the Cybertruck factory comes shortly after Tesla reported some abysmal financial and delivery numbers for the first quarter of 2025. Last month, Tesla reported that during Q1 2025, it delivered 336,681 vehicles, a 13% year-over-year drop. At the same time, its factories produced 362,615 vehicles; nearly 26,000 more EVs than it delivered. In its earnings report, Tesla reported that profits fell 71% to $409 million, a far cry from the $1.39 billion figure during the same quarter just a year prior. Shortly after Q1 2025 Tesla delivery figures went out, social media figure and influential Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives posted on the social media platform X that the numbers were a 'fork in the road moment' for the electric vehicle company. 'We knew 1Q Tesla deliveries would be soft, but these numbers were bad,' he said. 'We are not going to look at these numbers with rose colored glasses…they were a disaster on every metric. Refresh issues but brand crisis key.' Final thoughts I encounter both Tesla Cybertrucks and Model Ys regularly; however, the situation regarding them, especially the latter, is pretty surprising. According to a recent report by Electrek, Cybertruck inventory has reached upwards of 10,000 units sitting on lots near Tesla retail locations. These Cybertrucks have been sitting for a worryingly long time. Houston-area Cybertruck owner, Reza Soltani, posted on the Cybertruck Owner's Club Facebook group that Tesla sold him a car that had been sitting for about four months on the same lot before giving him the keys. 'I placed an order for a Cybertruck on Friday, and they instantly assigned me a VIN and are ready to deliver the car this week in Houston,' he said. 'The car was built on January 8th. It's been sitting out in the Tesla parking lot for 4 months.' Aesthetics opinions aside, I think that Tesla needs to offer some significant discounts or offer sales to fleets to offload the Cybertrucks, or it risks building an unmanageable backlog of cars that it can't sell.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk's European crisis deepens—initial April sales numbers prove devastating for Tesla
Four key EV friendly European markets reported high double-digit drops in volumes in April with only Norway showing some improvement. So far there has been little sign that the newer Model Y is rekindling interest in Elon Musk's brand on the continent. Europe, the world's second largest market for electric vehicles after China, appears to be closed for business to Elon Musk's Tesla. The beleaguered CEO may regret returning to the automaker's headquarters in Austin this month, as the first batch of national markets published car sales figures that show the brand remains in freefall on the continent. Whether it's France or Sweden, the Netherlands or Switzerland, registrations of new Tesla vehicles—which lag retail sales slightly—continued to plummet at high double-digit rates. Now their sales numbers are dwindling so much they risk becoming meaningless compared to the United States or China. Tesla investors have been hoping its historically weak first quarter was an anomaly due to a changeover from the older version of the Model Y on sale in Europe since late 2021 to the newer one complete with some fresher styling to the front and rear. In advance of the 'Juniper' derivative's March launch, all four of Tesla's factories shut down their Model Y assembly line for retooling in February, greatly reducing availability and contributing to last week's historically weak Q1 results. The midsize crossover has been the best-selling car of any kind worldwide for two years straight and accounts for about two-thirds of the brand's volume, so any changeover was bound to distort monthly sales figures. But Tesla's European business appears to be in full-blown meltdown. In France, its volume sank 59% to 863 cars for the month. Sweden, where there is a labor dispute between Tesla and the local IF Metall trade union, saw its sales plummet 81% to just 203 vehicles in an otherwise growing market. In the Netherlands, Tesla sold just 382 cars in April, a 74% dropoff. Switzerland was also a disaster—down 50% to 227 cars. All these markets are relatively wealthy, have a sizeable EV public charging network and enjoy a penetration rate for EVs far higher than Spain, Italy or most of Eastern Europe. In other words, they tend to be where conditions for Tesla are most favorable. Instead the lone bright spot was Norway, where volumes grew 12% to 976 cars. To put that into perspective, the grand total 19,771 new Tesla vehicles registered across all five markets for the first four months of this year is roughly the equivalent of two weeks of sales in China. It's important to note these figures could still be affected by a slow production ramp and limited availability of the Model Y Juniper. Moreover, a number of car markets have yet to publish their figures. Chief among them are Germany and the UK, respectively the largest and second-largest in Europe. But for a CEO who has been in the news constantly for all the wrong reasons—whether cheating at video games and lying about it, allegedly failing to pay child support for some of his 14 children, or attacking the judiciary branch for attempts to limit President Donald Trump's power—the risk remains that he's inflicted permanent damage on Tesla. Musk's political activism in Europe has gone down poorly with local customers. The Tesla CEO has intervened primarily on behalf of white nationalists like English Defense League founder Tommy Robinson in the UK—someone so far to the right even Trump ally Nigel Farage wants nothing to do with him. In Germany, the picture is little different. Elon Musk vociferously backed the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in the recent election, a party that on Friday was ruled a right-wing extremist movement in its entirety and no longer just its fringe elements. This story was originally featured on
