When Tesla launched in the Philippines last year, there was an interesting omission: the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling vehicle globally, isn’t part of the local lineup. There’s a good reason for that as the updated version has finally arrived, and it’s now available locally.
Launched simultaneously in China (where we source our Teslas), the Model Y Juniper brings the refreshed electric SUV to Southeast Asia. The model combines Tesla’s hallmark features with updates tailored for the Filipino market, including new design touches from the Tesla Cybercab and Cybertruck, plus technology enhancements expected from a full revamp.
The Model Y Juniper retains the sleek, aerodynamic styling that has made it a favorite globally. New design refinements include updated full-width LED headlights and taillights, plus subtle changes to its body lines, giving it a more futuristic appearance. The front-end is pointier than before, with the new model introducing fresh color options and aero wheel designs.
The interior showcases a minimalist design, featuring Tesla’s 15-inch touchscreen that serves as the central hub for entertainment, navigation, and vehicle controls, while an 8-inch display is available to entertain rear seat occupants. Premium finishes, vegan suede upholstery, and enhanced cabin acoustics are promised with the revamped model, designed to provide a serene driving experience in urban and rural settings.
With a range of up to 551 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge, the new Model Y claims unparalleled efficiency for daily commutes and long drives. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds, depending on the chosen variant. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, powered by Tesla’s dual-motor technology, ensures excellent grip and control on various terrains, including the country’s mix of urban streets and provincial roads. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities are also available, designed to navigate the region’s diverse traffic conditions.
The Model Y Juniper comes equipped with features that cater to the Philippine market. These include compatibility with Type 2 and CCS charging standards, ensuring ease of use at the growing network of EV charging stations across Metro Manila and beyond. Tesla owners in the Philippines will benefit from the company’s expanding presence in the region. Tesla has committed to building more Supercharger stations, with the first one already built within BGC.
The Tesla Model Y Launch Series is now available for order via Tesla’s official Philippine website. Pricing starts at P2,369,000 for the base RWD variant, good for 466 km of range. The Long-Range AWD is priced at P2,689,000, with additional costs for upgrades such as premium colors (beyond standard Pearl White), wheels, and Full Self-Driving capabilities (P394,000). Deliveries are expected to commence in April, according to Tesla’s online configurator.
