Model Y Juniper also launches in North America

In Europe, the Launch Series can only be ordered with the 20-inch rims called Helix 2.0 and in the Solid Black and Quicksilver paint finishes. In North America, Tesla offers four colours and two rim options. In addition to the 20-inch wheels, it also offers the new 19-inch wheels (referred to as ‘Crossflow Wheels’ in the configurator) there. Tesla refers to these rims as “one of the most efficient wheels Tesla has ever created.”

What is striking is that the colour and rim options can be selected for the Launch Edition in the US at no extra charge. The 20-inch wheels thus cost the same as the standard 19-inch wheels, whereas previously, there was a difference of 2,000 dollars. And there are no additional costs for the paint colours either. In the US, Stealth Grey is the standard colour, Pearl White Multi-Coat (the standard colour in Europe) otherwise costs an additional $1,000, and Ultra Red and Quicksilver even an extra 2,000 dollars. There are also no extra costs for the interior colour (white otherwise costs 1,000 dollars more) in the Launch Series. Even ‘Full Self-Driving,’ which otherwise costs 8,000 dollars more, is included here.

That is quite a difference to Europe: as mentioned, there are only two paint colours to choose from and only one type of wheels. The white interior is also not available for the Model Y Launch Series, but the trailer coupling (still 1,600 kilograms) comes standard – usually, it costs 1,350 euros extra. In Europe, the Autopilot packages must also be ordered and paid separately for the Launch Series – €3,800 for the Enhanced Autopilot and €7,500 for “Full Self-Driving.”

The price difference is higher than the 6,000 euros in Europe given the included features such as “Full Self Driving.” The ‘old’ Model Y Long Range AWD can still be ordered from 34,490 US dollars – i.e. 12,000 dollars less than the Launch Series of the revised model.

Such differences are not surprising at Tesla, as the Model Ys for Asia, Europe and North America are built in different factories on each continent. There have also been slight differences in the products on offer, for example, in the paint colours that the plants in the factories can process. For instance, at Giga Berlin in Grünheide, Germany, the red colour is Midnight Cherry Red – and not Ultra Red as in the US.

For the sake of completeness, here are the US specifications of the Model Y Juniper. Tesla states a range of 320 miles for the Long Range model with the 19-inch tyres and 303 miles with the 20-inch tyres. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (equivalent to around 96 kph) in 4.1 seconds; in Europe, 4.3 seconds to 100 kph is specified. Tesla also does not provide any more precise information on performance and battery in the US than in Europe. The peak charging capacity is also 250 kW, but no charging time is given for the window from ten to 80 per cent. It is only stated that up to 154 miles of range can be recharged in 15 minutes.

In Canada, the Launch Series can be ordered from 84,990 Canadian dollars; the ‘old’ Model Y with this drive costs 20,000 CAD less. However, the Launch Series is also fully equipped in Canada. Nevertheless, the price difference in Canada could soon decrease: Tesla will raise the prices for all its vehicles in Canada from 1 February, as can be read on the Canadian website. Prices for the Model 3 will rise by up to 9,000 CAD. According to the website, prices for Model Y variants will increase by up to $4,000, while all versions of the Model S and X will be $4,000 more expensive. Tesla did not give a reason for the price increase.

tesla.com (US specs), tesla.com (configurator US), tesla.com (configurator Canada)