TSLA launched the refreshed Model Y in the U.S. last week, with marked differences in how it launched the refreshed Model 3 roughly a year ago. What Happened: Tesla launched the refreshed Model Y on its website as a new variant in addition to the existing older variants of the vehicle, merely weeks after it was launched in China. This marks a significant difference from its Model 3 launch when the company took months to launch it in the U.S. Tesla launched the refreshed Model 3 in China in August 2023 and in the U.S. months later in January. The new Model 3 replaced the old Model 3 variants and was not listed alongside the older variants. This backfired on the company as it took time to scale Model 3 deliveries. The company itself pinned the decline in delivery volumes in the first quarter of 2024 to the production ramp of the updated Model 3 at the company’s Fremont factory. The new Model 3 was also listed with the same starting price as the older vehicle in the U.S. upon launch. However, with the refreshed Model Y, the long-range all-wheel drive variant is priced 25% higher than its predecessor. Expert Weighs In: “I like Tesla’s new approach of selling a fully loaded version of the Model Y Juniper design refresh as the ‘Launch Series’ at a higher price, alongside the old Model Y version. This creates a smoother transition. It suggests that production of the new version is low for now and they want to continue selling the old version,” Tesla researcher Troy Teslike said in a post on social media platform X. “When the Model 3 Highland was introduced, the switch was immediate, which upset some buyers who had just purchased a Model 3 days before,” Teslike added. I like Tesla's new approach of selling a fully loaded version of the Model Y Juniper design refresh as the 'Launch Series' at a higher price, alongside the old Model Y version. This creates a smoother transition. It suggests that production of the new version is low for now and… pic.twitter.com/YGgVMxzcjr