Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced earlier in the year that no refresh for the Model Y would debut in 2023. However, he emphasized that Tesla continually enhances its vehicles, resulting in incremental improvements in newer models, even if they are just six months apart.
While ongoing software updates persist, a significant update to the Model Y is anticipated for the first quarter of 2025. This updated version is expected to feature improved efficiency, performance, and enhanced ride quality due to new damping. Inside the vehicle, more primary controls, including the gear selector, will be moved to the touchscreen interface. Additionally, 360-degree acoustic glass will be introduced, and rear passengers will benefit from entertainment screens for streaming, gaming, and climate control adjustments.
These updates are likely to spark discussions among Tesla enthusiasts, who typically analyze such changes in detail. Notably, some influences on the Model Y’s design have come from those unable to express opinions verbally, reportedly contributing to the model’s rollout delay.
The Model Y will also undergo a redesign of its third row, making it more accommodating for dogs. This change aims to enhance its appeal in markets like China, where domestic competitors offer roomier interiors. This design consideration raises an interesting question regarding the extent to which automakers account for the needs of pets when developing new models.
According to Andrew Wheel, director of production design and quality at Jaguar Land Rover, their approach is to remain function-agnostic, aiming to create versatile and flexible vehicles that meet various user needs. As the lifestyle attributes of vehicles gain importance, catering to pet owners becomes more relevant, especially for those with larger dogs that require additional space.
In terms of innovations, Tesla provides a “dog mode,” allowing owners to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature using a mobile app and live camera feed while the owner is away. This mode displays cabin temperature on the car’s main screen alongside an explanatory graphic to inform passers-by. It also prevents electric windows from operating in this mode to avoid accidental button presses, showcasing an interesting approach to considering canine needs in vehicle design.
