Tesla Model Y Juniper Launched in Brisbane, Australia

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Final Up to date on: sixteenth April 2025, 12:21 am

Final Thursday evening, we had the pleasure and honour of standing amidst a crowd of over 100 folks for the Juniper Tesla Mannequin Y launch at Tesla’s Brisbane supply centre in Pinkenba (yep, that’s an actual title). The Tesla Mannequin Y solely arrived in Australia three years ago, and now it has been refreshed. Strolling into the centre, I used to be impressed, not simply by the variety of Teslas within the parking zone, however extra so by the variety of non-Tesla petrol- and diesel-powered automobiles.

Prospects who had ordered a brand new Tesla made up nearly all of the gang. They might be getting their new automobiles quickly. We attended as a part of the Tesla Homeowners Membership of Australia, Queensland Department (TOCA). And in addition as a result of we anticipate the Mannequin Y to be our subsequent automotive. We love our Mannequin 3, however it’s getting more durable to get out and in of as a consequence of our advancing age and attendant geriatric situations!

We had been checked in, and though the person on the door seemed like a safety guard, he turned out to be a pleasant salesperson. In Australia, we’ve got not had the anti-Tesla violence that we hear about continuously in Europe and the States, nevertheless it nonetheless pays to watch out. To date, we’ve got had one peaceable protest, and that was in Sydney. No information of vandalism, thank goodness.

We’re in the midst of a federal election in Australia — with the Conservative politicians nonetheless criticising electrical automobiles. However thus far, there was no interference from Mr Musk. Hopefully it can stay that manner. Fortunately we’re too insignificant to warrant his consideration. Simply ship us the automobiles, Elon!

Most of us stood, however tables and chairs had been offered for the infirm. A meals truck offered spicy Mexican tacos. Dealing with us within the huge supply centre had been three up to date Juniper Teslas, coated in black material and ready for the reveal. Behind them was a black curtain, hiding the remainder of the constructing’s contents. We chatted with outdated associates and made some new ones whereas we waited for “curtains up.” The start of the occasion was signalled by a parade of but extra Junipers, driving in behind the three on show.

After a brief speech by the supervisor of the centre, off got here the cloths and folks had been allowed to sit down in and play with the model spanking new, sparkly clear toys. Blue, purple, white, gray, and black had been on show. Those that had ordered received an opportunity to have a look at their subsequent automotive. The supply of finger meals meant that the automobiles didn’t keep completely clear for lengthy. A great check for a brand new automotive! We estimated that about 15 gross sales workers had been in attendance for the night.

It was certainly a gorgeous second to sit down on this outstanding machine. I requested Majella what she thought. Bear in mind, we’re evaluating the brand new Y to the 5-year-old Mannequin 3 that we at present drive. She thought the seats had been extra snug. The sliding centre console can also be an enchancment on the three. “It doesn’t pop up again when you try to close it!” The cordless telephone charger is extra handy. Having the dashcam USB within the glovebox makes it simpler to entry. “You aren’t fumbling around in the dark.” Just one stalk on the steering wheel is doable. Tesla seems to have compromised on this.

The capabilities of the lacking stalk — drive choice — is by way of the display screen. Autopilot is managed by the buttons on the steering wheel. An additional button has been added for voice controls. She was most impressed with the boot, which has a shelf-like cowl to cover possessions.

For bigger hundreds, the again seats can fold down and the passenger seat strikes ahead — all managed from the touchscreen. This is able to have been good once we had been carting timber dwelling from Bunnings in our Mannequin 3.

After all, I’m an inveterate sticky beak and had to take a look behind the scenes. As clients sat within the show automobiles and checked out the buttons and knobs (or in actuality the shortage of buttons and knobs), I had a great have a look at the remainder of the supply centre. What a shock — it was full of latest Teslas (Highland 3s and Juniper Ys) all prepared for supply. The manger noticed me snooping and got here for a chat! He confirmed that these automobiles had been about to be delivered. After I requested about when, he mentioned tomorrow.

I joked that I ought to put up an image (just like the one beneath) on Fb and say that Tesla can’t promote any automobiles so they’re hiding them in warehouses. Sadly, although, many individuals would take me severely and I might arm the FUD military which nonetheless marches on. Persons are so able to consider the worst and unfold hate. The tide is popping right here in Australia. Now, when an anti-EV publish comes up, there are folks to reply the questions and defend the know-how.

The up to date Model Y was introduced to Australia on the Every thing Electrical present in Melbourne final month. “From an order point of view, we’re really happy with what we’ve got, very strong demand,” Thom Drew of Tesla Australia and New Zealand nation director said. “We sold out our allocation of the Rear-Wheel-Drive (Launch Series) car, so (we’re) just still selling through the remainder of the Launch (Series) Long Range All-Wheel Drive.” I’m trying ahead to the supply numbers exhibiting up within the month-to-month stats. That ought to change the headlines: Tesla gross sales falling! I’m certain the media will attempt to spin it destructive.

To feed Tesla’s ever-expanding fleet, extra, bigger quick charging websites are being opened across the nation. Opening just in time for Eastera 15-stall Tesla Supercharger web site at Moonee Seashore, simply north of Coffs Harbour, in New South Wales is open to all EVs. It will likely be outfitted with V4 Superchargers, all rated at 250 kW. The location is cofunded by the state authorities. Ensuring that your EV doesn’t “ruin your weekend,” the location has drive-thru bays. You gained’t must unhitch your trailer, boat, or caravan to cost.

Australia’s largest Tesla Supercharger web site has been working since 2023 in Albury, Victoria. It has 16 V4 chargers. Tesla will likely be opening a 20-charger web site in Goulburn Victoria shortly. These chargers will service folks travelling from Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane alongside the most well-liked transport corridors in Australia. Demand will increase in winter because the southern, solar starved populace flees Melbourne and Sydney and heads north to Brisbane in sunny Queensland.

Don’t inform Tess, however we will likely be organising our check drive of the Mannequin Y Jupiter quickly. For us, the long run seems to be brilliant, electrical and way more snug.