Tesla Model Y News

According to the Chinese Zodiac 2025 is the ‘Year of the Wood Snake’ but it could prove to be the ‘Year of the Electric Car’ when we look back on it. That’s because electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot to prove in 2025 after surging (pun intended) and now seemingly in need of a recharge (pun also intended).

The electric SUV market has been Tesla’s since the Model Y arrived down under in 2022, with few rivals fit enough to challenge it from a range, price or technological perspective.The competition has finally expanded in 2024, with cut-price Chinese and South Korean rivals gunning for the Model Y’s crown.So, do they have the spec sheets to prove it?We’ve put two of the most compelling Model Y rivals – the Kia EV5 and Xpeng G6 – head-to-head on paper with Australia’s top-selling EV to determine whether Tesla really has anything to worry about.The Model Y is comfortably the leader when it comes to cargo space, offering what the brand claims is an additional 334-litres of additional storage over the Kia EV5 and a further 273-litres over the Xpeng G6.It must be mentioned, however, that Tesla only quotes the space between the boot floor and the Model Y's roof, while most other brands only quote boot space to rear window line.That said, the Model Y is known for its huge cargo capacity, adding an additional 117 litres under the bonnet, besting the Kia EV5 by 50 litres, while the Xpeng G6 is void of a front trunk entirely.The discrepancies in cargo space are quite staggering when you factor in that the Model Y and Xpeng G6 are practically on par when it comes to dimensions, with the G6 actually 2mm longer than the Model Y and 26mm taller.Tesla credits the Model Y's huge expansiveness to the Model Y's electric underpinnings, which positions the electric motor (or motors) closer to the axles, making way for additional cabin space.Cargo space aside, the Model Y's huge width can make it feel a quite daunting to park, particularly when car parks don't always subscribe to the minimum 2.4m width they're required to. For those who prefer a slimmer car, the Kia EV5 is the safest bet.When purchasing an EV, arguably the most important factor (beside cost) is range, and in this key metric the Xpeng G6 Long Range has either of its competitors beaten decisively. It carries an additional 47km over the Model Y and a whopping 70km over the EV5.It has them both on another key metric as well – DC fast-charging time. According to Xpeng's claim for the G6 Long Range, you'll spend 18 fewer minutes at a charging station than you will charging the equivalent EV5, or seven minutes less on the equivalent Model Y. In a world of shortening attention spans and impatient drivers, that will undoubtedly make the G6 more appealing.Achieving that figure, however, is obviously dependent on the charger meeting the max capacity of 280kW, which depends on how closely you live to a fast-charging station, which are unfortunately less common than one would hope. The Model Y might have the G6 in that respect, given it operates its own network of chargers across Australia with 250kW capacity pylons commonplace, the majority of which are exclusive to Tesla vehicles.Despite having the largest battery pack, the Kia EV5 falls short on both of its rivals with a comparatively long charging time at 38 minutes at a maximum capacity of just 141kW.In terms of speed and acceleration, the Model Y is streets ahead of the competition, a less practical metric but one that is undoubtedly appealing for some prospective buyers.Its dazzling 0-100km/h time of 5.0 seconds is followed by the EV5's at 6.1 seconds, which is closely followed by the G6 at 6.2 seconds. The EV5 leads the way with power at 308kW, 32kW more than the Model Y and 108kW more than the G6, while the Model Y has them both covered with torque, giving it a class-leading towing capacity of 1600kg.Since going on sale in the US in 2019, the Model Y is yet to receive a comprehensive facelift, both inside or out.Despite the upgraded 'Juniper' model being earmarked to arrive next year, it's unlikely we will see a comprehensive redesign of the interior, with the combined central driver's display/multimedia display set to remain the standard for 2025 as we saw on the updated Model 3.Tesla purists swear by it, but there are many in the automotive world who are rightly critical of the speedometer being located on the central screen where it exists alongside practically every other vehicle function.Adopting an interior layout that appears to be inspired by the Model Y, Xpeng have gone a step further by installing a 10.2-inch digital driver display, and though the majority of vehicle controls are still commanded through the central infotainment screen, it will no doubt be a more approachable configuration for prospective buyers.It's the Kia EV5 that takes the crown for the most compelling cabin, which is headlined by the integrated panoramic display, a simple, user-friendly display that Kia models have become known for in recent years. On the EV5, that includes twin 12.3-inch touchscreen displays and a smaller 5.0-inch touchscreen for climate controls wedged between.The EV5 – and the G6 – are both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, with Tesla eschewing the software in favour of its own in-house system.All three vehicles carry wireless charging capability, a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard, but only one model – the EV5 – provides the option of a massage function for the driver and an augmented reality head-up display.Additionally, if you opt for the top-spec GT-Line variant, you'll get a storage area in the second row that can cool and heat up food, as well as an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system.Tesla's stereo is considered one of the best in the business, though.Dual-zone climate only comes on the EV5 and G6, while only the G6 carries an air purification system.These days, especially for EVs, its all about price. And who can undercut the competition with its low-cost manufacturing capacity more than anyone else? China.Despite all three models being built for the Australian market in China, its the Chinese-owned Xpeng G6 that takes the cake from a price perspective. With a starting price of just $54,800 before on-road cost, its $1100 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y and $1,970 cheaper than the base-model Kia EV5.Prices are at before on-road costsPrice is arguably the most important factor informing a customer's decision to purchase an EV, and when you combine that with a better driving range and charging time than both of its key rivals, the answer of which EV makes the strongest case – the Xpeng G6 – becomes clear cut.Having said that, all three vehicles make a compelling case in terms of value, with very little separating them on price or performance.Regardless of preferences, that signals exciting times ahead for the EV market, particularly when you compare it to how it looked just two years ago when Tesla appeared untouchable.

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.

Tesla owners will get a virtual bag of goodies to end the year.The American electric car maker has announced its latest round of software updates for its vehicles this holiday period.The updates will lob into Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Australia via an over-the-air update next week.Owners will now be able to access a Tesla app on their Apple Watch that can work as a smart key and allow them to view battery charge, turn on climate control and open the frunk (cargo area under the bonnet).Owners can now watch clips from the in-built dashcam and Sentry Mode clips in the Tesla app on their smartphone and save them to edit or share.New versions of the Model 3, which don’t have a steering column mounted gear selector, will now have access to an Auto Shift function.This works when navigating in and out of car spots and multi-point turns by automatically switching between reverse and drive. Drivers will be asked to confirm the drive mode selection.Drivers can now select the preferred charging level for when they arrive at their destination. This will affect the vehicle’s trip planner that provides stop and charging duration along the route.Other upgrades to the inbuilt maps include search results that are now filtered to show options along your route and estimated detour times. Think a quick Maccas stop along the way and how long this will add to your trip.It’ll also now show rain on the map and the intensity of that rainfall.Teslas will now have rear cross traffic alert safety tech, too. It will sound an alarm if it detects a car coming from the side or rear as you reverse. This is in addition to the reversing auto braking function that is already standard.There are a few extra apps and games included in the car’s multimedia system, among other minor updates

Is MG the latest headache for Tesla and Toyota? October’s electric car sales suggest the Chinese brand just might be. Tesla is out and MG is in, and it’s all thanks to price cuts that have bumped the highly regarded MG4 hatchback not only ahead of Model Y and Model 3 sales, but in front of Elon Musk’s controversial brand entirely. In October 2024, Tesla sold a total of 1464 cars, 1042 of which were Model Y and the remaining 422 Model 3s. During the same period, MG shifted a seriously impressive 1486 MG4 hatchbacks. For context, in the small-car segment that puts the MG4 only behind the Toyota Corolla (1751) and ahead of all others, including stalwarts such as the Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato (967) and Mazda3 (742). It also outsold the Toyota Camry.The MG4’s direct rivals including the GWM Ora (154) and BYD Dolphin (67) were nowhere near the MG last month. So what’s driving sales over at MG? It’s price. That’s the long and short of it. The brand is offering startlingly low entry points for its electric hatch, with the Excite 51kWh with 350km of WLTP range currently $32,990 drive-away — and that’s a national deal for MY24. Not only is that cheaper than the GWM Ora ($35,990, drive-away) and BYD Dolphin ($38,990, before on-road costs), but about $3000 less than a Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport hybrid, too.Stepping up to the Excite 64 with 450km driving range and the up-spec Essence, the brand’s offering an $8000 factory bonus, though that is restricted to MY23 models. Current versions (with minimal changes) are $44,990 and $46,990 (drive-away), respectively. Historically more popular than Ora and Dolphin anyway, the MG4 was finding between 300-400 homes a month earlier in the year. It was the dramatic price cut on September 20 that has drastically impacted sales. MG Chief Commercial Officer Giles Belcher made note of other reasons for MG4's success last month."At MG we believe we have a winning formula when it comes to buying a new car, and this includes EVs – we have award winning products, backed up by an industry leading 10-year warranty and at a price point that represents great value," said Belcher.To be fair to MG, while the Excite 51kWh was the most sold variant with 53 per cent share, that still leaves the other variants doing heavy lifting in sales terms.Price has been one of the biggest factors affecting EV popularity. Tesla is a great example, after a few mid-1000 Model Y months in April and May it slashed prices, corresponding to a huge month-on-month increase in June with 2906 Model Ys and 1777 Model 3s sold. That same month saw other marques, including Nissan, Peugeot and Ford, dramatically discount their electric cars. A near-instant increase in sales followed.If MG manages to keep such a sharp price point on the MG4 hatch while covering its operating costs, rivals like the Dolphin, Ora and other new rivals are unlikely to catch up by the end of the year. There will be a bigger challenge next year with more cut-price rivals such as the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Inster, not to mention fresh rivals such as Aion's new hatch, entering the fray.

Kia might have prices its all-electric Tesla Model Y rival, the EV5, sharply, but don’t expect the brand to slice and dice its prices further, with the Korean brand insisting it will resist the “panic” that has befallen Tesla and other EV makers.

Tesla is preparing to reveal its updated Model Y codenamed “Juniper”.

Images of the new Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' appear to have begun leaking online, with a flurry of camouflaged images and some more offical-looking shots appearing on international media sites.

Production of the Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ could begin at the brand’s Shanghai gigafactory in days, according to reports.

Is the Toyota bZ4X a sales disaster in Australia? Is Toyota failing at electric vehicles (EVs) generally? And why does senior management reckon there is a stink in the air for all the naysayers?