Updated Tesla Model Y coming very soon: latest reports from China show XPeg G6, Deepal S07 and Kia EV5 rival's 'Juniper' version to enter production in January 2025

Australia's best selling electric car is gearing up to fight off a wave of new challengers in 2025.

The long awaited update to the Tesla Model Y, codenamed Juniper, is believed to enter production in January according to reports.

That would put the upgraded model on Australian roads soon after thanks to local delivered versions being built in China, which cuts the time required from production to delivery.

This is just in time to fight off new arrivals such as the Xpeng G6, Deepal S07 and Kia EV5.

Tesla's sales have sunk in 2024, but an upgrade to its most popular model might be the shot in the arm it needs.

Tesla is expected to start production of the new three-row Model Y next year, too, giving the company another variant to help boost sales.

The updated Model Y will usher in many of the same changes seen on the upgraded Model 3 earlier this year.

This means revised hardware with upgraded bushing and frequency selective dampers among the improvements.

Aerodynamic upgrades and unique adaptive dampers are also expected for the Performance variant.

It is also expected to wear a new face with a light bar that runs the front of the bonnet and T-E-S-L-A badging on the rear end.

Inside, the Model Y should do away with the indicator stalk and move to button controls on the steering wheel. New acoustic glass will make the cabin quieter and new tyres and wheels will also help reduce road noise. A rear-seat passenger screen is also on the cards.

It’ll likely have a new rear diffuser and lower rolling resistance tyres to again improve driving range.

Rumours have it the Model Y will get a bigger 96kWh battery for the Long Range and Performance versions.

This could result in a driving range of more than 700km in the long-legged version and dramatically improved range for the Performance model.

Tesla is known for its extreme secrecy and we won’t know the full details until the updated Model Y lands on the company’s website, which is the same time it is available to order.