Week 6/25 Highlights: Price Increases for Model Y, Model S, and X, Stock Plummets, and Settlement on 4680 Battery Technology
Tesla Model Y Updates and BYD's Success: A Double Headline
In the world of electric vehicles, two significant developments have caught the attention of automotive enthusiasts. The updated Tesla Model Y is now available for order in the West, while BYD, a Chinese automaker, has seen a surge in its shares, marking its best week since 2020.
Tesla Model Y: Efficiency and Range Improvements
The Tesla Model Y, now gracing European and Chinese markets, has undergone several updates that promise better efficiency and extended range. In early 2025, Tesla launched a refreshed Model Y, codenamed "Juniper," offering a longer range of approximately 447 miles (688 km). This upgrade was followed by the introduction of a new battery pack, using either CATL M3P or updated Panasonic cells, boosting the Model Y's range to around 600 km (373 miles).
Tesla has also diversified its battery options, introducing a more affordable variant with a smaller battery pack, estimated to deliver about 250 km EPA range. Meanwhile, some 2025 Model Y Long Range AWD variants use a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with about 78.1 kWh capacity, offering an estimated range of 533 km.
BYD's "Smart Driving" Features and Sales Boost
BYD, on the other hand, is gearing up to reveal "smart driving" features across its entire electric vehicle lineup. These features are expected to include Autopilot and FSD software, aiming to enhance the driving experience for its customers. This announcement comes on the heels of a successful period for BYD, with a significant increase in sales in 2024 and the beginning of 2025.
Tesla's Price Increases and Sales Decline in Europe
However, Tesla's sales in Europe have seen a downturn. In Germany, Tesla sales fell by 41% in 2024, and a further decrease of 59% was observed in January 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline may be attributed to the increase in prices of the base versions of Model S and Model X by 17,000 euros in Germany, as well as potential factors such as reduced state electric car funding and delayed deliveries in Europe.
Other Notable Developments
- The Model Y refresh may have been delayed across Europe.
- European registration data shows a drop of around 47% in Tesla sales on the 15 most important European markets.
- Deliveries for the new Model Y are expected to begin in March.
- The Model Y discount was removed at the beginning of the year in Germany.
- Tesla is currently using batteries with cells from LG Energy for the new Model Y in China and Europe.
- Tesla sales in Europe have been affected by a variety of factors, including increased prices, delayed deliveries, and reduced state electric car funding.
- The Model Y refresh may have been delayed in Europe, potentially contributing to the decline in sales.
- The Model Y discount was removed at the beginning of the year in Germany, which may have also impacted sales.
- Tesla is using batteries with cells from LG Energy for the new Model Y in China and Europe.
- In other news, Tesla has visually updated the Model Y both inside and out, and all versions of Model S and Model X are now offered with free charging at Superchargers again.
- An arbitration court ruling has allowed Saueressig to offer a crucial technology developed by them to other companies, which was initially intended for Tesla's 4680 batteries.
- A new radar sensor for the interior has been installed in the Model Y.
- BYD managed to increase its sales in 2024 and the beginning of 2025, despite facing challenges in France due to significantly reduced state electric car funding.
[1] https://insideevs.com/news/511638/tesla-model-y-long-range-battery-upgrade/ [2] https://insideevs.com/news/511638/tesla-model-y-long-range-battery-upgrade/ [3] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-refresh-juniper-battery-pack-changes/ [4] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-smaller-battery-pack-affordable-version/
- Despite a decline in Tesla's sales in Europe, the updated Tesla Model Y, now offering improved efficiency and extended range, is available for order and expected to begin deliveries in March.
- In the realm of electric vehicles, BYD, a Chinese automaker, has seen a surge in its shares, marking its best week since 2020, along with an announcement of "smart driving" features planned for its entire lineup.
- Tesla has introduced a more affordable Model Y variant with a smaller battery pack, while also offering a new battery pack using either CATL M3P or updated Panasonic cells, increasing the vehicle's range to around 600 km.
- As Tesla's sales figures continue to fluctuate in different regions, BYD has shown resilience, managing to increase its sales in 2024 and the beginning of 2025, despite facing challenges in certain markets.
