Tesla begins trial production of updated Model Y as launch draws near

Tesla’s best-seller and world’s best-selling car of any fuel type, the Tesla Model Y, is about to get a major refresh in the coming months.

News from China suggests that test production of this upcoming refreshed Model Y began this week at Tesla’s Shanghai factory, where almost one in every two EVs on our road was built last year which has delivered more than 30,000 Teslas to Australia in 2024 alone.

The initial test production run will be small, with about 12 units being produced every day for quality and road testing. 

According to the source, the initial production will be on a separate part of the factory where employees and clothes involved will not be allowed to take their mobile phones in case of any leaks of the upcoming car.

Originally, there were rumours of the car being delivered to customers in 2024 but earlier this year an internal memo at Tesla highlighted that there would be no Model Y refresh coming during 2024.

It was further verified by Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk on X in June: “No Model Y “refresh” is coming out this year.”

This method of producing small batches was also seen with the Tesla Model 3 refresh months prior to the official unveiling in September 2023. 

In recent months, multiple sightings of the Model Y being tested in the US have been spied, showing key changes to the exterior and giving an inside look.

One of the key differences spotted on the outside was the inclusion of the extended tail light that appears to run parallel above the Tesla badge on the boot lid. 

Image: abomb1997 via reddit

Moving on to the inside, there was also  LED ambient lighting present which can be seen on the door panels. There are also ventilation perforations, allowing for heated and ventilated seats in the car.

Both of these are similar to those seen on the refreshed Model 3 sedan, which is available to local buyers today.

Speaking ot the Model 3 refresh, the key improvements over the previous car were significant and are expected to be on the new Model Y as well:

• A quieter cabin
• Improved ride
• Ambient lighting
• Upgraded dashboard
• Rear infotainment screen
• Better camera hardware 
• Improved sound system
• Fresher exterior design with slimmer headlights
• More range

Given what we know, the official release of the highly anticipated Model Y refresh is likely to be in early 2025.

Between this initial production and then, we’re likely to get plenty more spy shots and production updates of the new car in the coming months so stay tuned.