A top Tesla engineer has revealed some of the secrets behind the latest Juniper refresh of its popular Model Y, as seen above.
VP of engineering Lars Moravy has spoken at length about the new braking system for the updated Model Y, something that could make rival automakers very jealous.
The Model Y refresh underwent a few delays before the EV manufacturer finally took the covers off it in January.
Now that it’s finally public, it’ll be fascinating to see how rivals react to the changes in the braking system.
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Tesla claims the Model Y’s braking system is unique
While some Tesla EV fans have called the braking system ‘brake-by-wire,’ that isn’t strictly the case.
However, the system does pave the way for a brake-by-wire system in future Teslas, such as the Cybercab.
The company has reinvented its braking system in preparation for for autonomous driving.
The set up now allows the brakes to work independently while in autonomous mode.
As Moravy explained, the new system consists of two hydraulic brake cylinders.
One of those is actuated by an electronic system controlled by the car’s autonomous brain.
Brake system in New Model Y has the freedom to use either electric motor or mechanical brake when you push the brake pedal
This brings you maximum efficiency, consistency in pedal behavior & improved stability pic.twitter.com/rIwOUxwpXU
— Tesla (@Tesla) March 3, 2025
The other is driver-facing, allowing for a braking feel that most, if not all, drivers are familiar with.
Both operate independently of each other, although one could kick in as a fail-safe should there be a problem with the other.
Computers decide on aspects of the Tesla Model Y braking
New computers, under the skin of the Model Y refresh, decide whether or not to use regenerative braking.
The computers also decide whether hydraulic braking or anything else in between should be used instead,
They do this by considering the driving conditions at the time, the speed, and any input the driver has on the brake pedal.
Regenerative braking will work independently if the conditions match, but if not, hydraulic braking will kick in instead.
The driver, meanwhile, will feel nothing different no matter which brakes the car uses, ensuring they don’t panic or stress out.
Finally, the new system will also allow the Model Y to use the maximum level of regenerative braking at all times.
This is a feature that’s unique to the new version of the Tesla EV.
Even in the face of stiff competition, it’s clear Tesla isn’t resting on its laurels.
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