Tesla to briefly suspend Model Y production in China for updates
That was reported by Bloomberg. People familiar with the matter told the news outlet that the automaker intends to prep the production lines more effectively, optimising the use of equipment. To do so, Tesla will suspend manufacturing on the impacted lines from around 22 January to 14 February. Moreover, as per the report, other areas of the factory will be closed from 26 January to 3 February, affecting the production of the Model 3.
Bloomberg also notes that it is not uncommon for carmakers in China to shut down over Chinese New Year, as most people travel during this festive period to visit their families. This year, the celebrations start on 29 January.
Tesla reportedly began manufacturing its facelifted Model Y – codenamed Juniper – at the Giga Shanghai this month. First details about the battery and drive were just revealed through a regulatory filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). It seems Tesla will offer two single-motor variants of the facelifted Model Y and one dual-motor version. The former is powered by LFP batteries with an energy content of 62.5 kWh supplied by CATL. These model variants offer a peak power of 220 kW. The dual-motor variant comes with a front motor with a peak power of 137 kW, while the rear motor offers up to 194 kW – so a total output of 331 kW. In this case, the Model Y uses lithium ternary batteries with an energy content of 78.4 kWh, which are supplied by LG Energy Solution.
The chassis has also been revised. It should now enable ‘smoother driving’ – also analogue to the Model 3 Highland, but specifically adapted to the SUV. To this end, the spring units have been adapted, and new wheel/tyre combinations have been installed. It is intended to remedy one of the points of criticism, the sometimes bumpy rolling behaviour. You can read more about the updates to the electric SUV in this article.
The US electric car manufacturer reportedly also started Model Y production in Grünheide, Germany. The first vehicles rolled off the production line there earlier this week, though a Tesla spokesperson emphasised at the time that this did not mark the official start of production there.
Customers in Asian countries supplied by the Gigafactory in Shanghai can already order the facelifted model. European customers, who would get their EV from the Gigafactory near Berlin, still have to wait. There are rumours that the configurator on Tesla’s website will be updated to the Juniper model before the end of the week.
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