Possibly the best-selling next-generation Tesla’s electric crossover may be ready to launch sooner than expected. This affordable version of the Tesla Model Y has been recently spotted during road testing in the neighborhood of the company’s factory in Fremont.
Looking at photos of the car, one can see some minor yet important modifications, with the most obvious being the front headlights, which align with earlier rumors and leaks regarding the design. An orange visual (reflector) that is a mandatory regulation in North American vehicles has now been incorporated into the new headlights. It is not like the normal standard Model Y model, in which a reflector has been placed at the lower part of the front bumper assembly.
Redesigned Headlights Confirm Leaked Design
The new headlights seem more minimal and contemporary, according to the style that was seen in previous leaks that many assumed was the Model Y refresh, commonly referred to as the Model Y Project Juniper. With the new headlight design, observers are of the idea that this will not only make the car look aesthetically appealing but can also offer better visibility at night and energy efficiency in the car.
Though Tesla did not specify any alterations in the Model Y lineup, the prototype witnessed by one of the notifications commits the manufacturer to testing a new setup in detail. The fact that they have the integrated orange side reflectors as part of the car body implies that the car is in the process of being validated to U.S. regulatory requirements, and therefore North American launch is very soon.
Spotted: Juniper Performance?
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Besides, Tesla seems to have implemented minor yet significant adjustments to the front and back design of the vehicle. The grey rear insert, which is a characteristic notable on current models, has been changed to a painted body panel, which produces a more contiguous but less stylish effect.
There is also a new camera on the front bumper, probably to expand its driver assistance systems, but the absence of a front light bar and a separate headlights design indicates a less radical attitude to lighting solutions. Another detail that is missing is the rear indirect light bar, with the suggestion that Tesla is not going to go with theatrics when it comes to lighting.
Interior Simplification
In the cabin, the new affordable Model Y continues the long Tesla tradition of simple design with perhaps even less of it than before. It seems the seats are of regular type, and nowhere is there any mention of ventilation, which is one of the higher trims.
Interestingly, the storage that could be found in front of cupholders has been eliminated, and cupholders do not have a retractable cover, as they are in the new interiors of Model Y. Although these may appear as insignificant details, the fact that they are not mentioned indicates that Tesla had a rather aggressive strategy to optimize material and manufacturing costs.
A second major novelty is the fact that it has no rear display screen, a concept also introduced to the upgrade version of both Model 3 and Model Y. Its omission indicates that this lower price model will be simpler than the one with a few luxury details.
Conclusion
As the world is fast adopting the usage of electric vehicles, there is also an emerging trend of affordability becoming a significant factor when deciding on an EV purchase. By launching a cheaper, but stripped-down version of Model Y, Tesla would introduce the company to a wider audience, which values the basic, improved performance and the range more than the luxury features.
