Tesla has quietly rolled out a new US$2000 (around NZ$3300) software upgrade that turns the updated Model Y ‘Juniper’ into a noticeably quicker machine - without a spanner in sight.
Dubbed Acceleration Boost, the over-the-air (OTA) update trims the 0 to 96km/h dash from 4.6 to 4.2 seconds. While that might not sound seismic, it’s enough to give the Juniper an edge over rivals like the BYD Sealion 7 while leaving slower EVs like the Nissan Ariya in the dust.
The upgrade, available via the Tesla app, adds roughly 75kW of extra power. Tesla hasn’t officially detailed the exact output bump, but internet sleuths peg it at around 100hp (75kW), aligning with previous iterations of the upgrade seen on earlier Model Ys.
No Performance model? No problem
Tesla's move comes as the refreshed Model Y range remains oddly thin.
Currently, Kiwi buyers are limited to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range AWD version - Performance variants in sight. For those wanting extra shove but not keen to wait for the full-fat Performance model, this digital detour fills the gap, at least temporarily.
This tactic isn’t new for Tesla. The brand has a history of monetising dormant hardware capabilities via post-purchase software unlocks. Think of it as buying the keys to a quicker car you already own.
The Acceleration Boost was previously offered on the pre-Juniper Model Y, and was bundled as standard with the limited-run Launch Edition.
Quick fix or strategic nudge?
While the acceleration gain is real, this boost looks more like a stopgap than a solution. With the Performance trim still absent, this upgrade likely serves as a placeholder - offering buyers a taste of what's to come, and giving Tesla a short-term push in Model Y uptake.
Still, at around $3300, it’s not a small ask. But for speed-hungry EV fans eyeing a quicker commute or an extra jolt on the motorway, it might just be the perfect digital indulgence.
