Tesla Model Y Juniper, Wisconsin EV Grants, Georgia Rivian Plant

Introduction

As the first weekend of 2026 unfolds, the electric vehicle industry showcases both product innovation and infrastructure investment. The 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh delivers a comprehensive upgrade with 327 miles of range, redesigned aesthetics, and improved technology. Wisconsin has secured $14 million in federal EV charging grants after joining a successful multi-state lawsuit against the NEVI funding freeze, funding 26 new fast-charging stations. Georgia is cementing its position as an EV manufacturing hub with Rivian's $5 billion plant construction beginning this year and Hyundai's Metaplant already producing vehicles. Meanwhile, at least 10 compelling new electric vehicles are scheduled to arrive in 2026, including the $23,990 BYD Atto 1 and the 500-kilometer Hyundai Elexio. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we help Los Angeles property owners prepare for this expanding EV population through expert commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. Here are the developments shaping the new year.

2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper Delivers Major Refresh with 327-Mile Range

The 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper represents the most significant update to the world's best-selling electric vehicle since its 2020 launch. The Long Range all-wheel-drive model now delivers 327 miles of EPA-estimated range with standard 19-inch wheels, while the rear-wheel-drive Standard model achieves 321 miles. These improvements stem from updated motors, suspension, steering, and braking systems that make the refreshed Model Y quicker, smoother, quieter, and more refined than its predecessor. Source: MotorTrend.

The exterior features Cybertruck-inspired full-width LED light bars spanning both front and rear, giving the Model Y a more distinctive appearance. Interior improvements include ventilated front seats, redesigned dashboard materials, ambient lighting, and an 8-inch rear passenger touchscreen for climate and entertainment controls. Safety enhancements include nine airbags with a new far-side driver airbag, plus an additional forward-facing camera for improved 180-degree visibility. One reviewer noted that after driving 1,000 miles, the real-world range numbers finally match Tesla's claims. Source: Torque News.

Tesla is also preparing an extended-wheelbase Model Y L variant, currently undergoing European regulatory acceptance, with production expected at Giga Berlin. Despite Tesla's sales decline that allowed BYD to overtake Tesla as the world's largest EV maker, the Model Y Juniper demonstrates the company's continued product innovation and should help reverse the sales trajectory in 2026.

Wisconsin Secures $14 Million in Federal EV Charging Grants

Wisconsin has awarded $14 million in federal grants to build electric vehicle fast-charging stations at 26 businesses across the state, marking a significant victory for EV infrastructure deployment. The grants, announced by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, fund installations at locations including 11 Kwik Trips, hotels, gas stations, a Culver's restaurant, and a chocolate shop. Through two funding rounds, Wisconsin has now awarded more than $36.4 million for 78 EV charging projects statewide. Source: Wisconsin Public Radio.

The funding comes after Wisconsin joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's freeze of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. In June 2025, a federal judge ordered the administration to resume distributing EV charging funding, allowing Wisconsin to access its share of the roughly $78 million awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, concerns remain about future funding, with Governor Evers warning that the administration's proposed budget could cause Wisconsin to lose approximately $16 million in NEVI funding for the 2026 fiscal year. Source: Yahoo News.

Wisconsin's experience mirrors the broader NEVI funding battle playing out across the country. For Los Angeles property owners, the uncertainty around federal infrastructure funding reinforces the importance of the charger tax credit deadline of June 30, 2026. Shaffer Construction can help property owners navigate available incentives through comprehensive electrical load studies and installation planning.

Georgia Emerges as Major EV Manufacturing Hub

Georgia is rapidly establishing itself as a center of American EV manufacturing, with both Rivian and Hyundai making significant investments in the state. Hyundai's Metaplant in Bryan County near Savannah is already producing vehicles, while Rivian held an official groundbreaking for its multi-billion-dollar facility in 2025. The first phase of Rivian's facility construction is expected to begin in 2026, with customer vehicle production anticipated to start in 2028. Source: The Current GA.

Rivian's $5 billion Georgia plant, located near Social Circle about 45 miles east of Atlanta, will eventually achieve annual production capacity of up to 400,000 vehicles once the second phase of construction is complete. The company must invest $5 billion and employ 7,500 workers at an average salary of $56,000 by the end of 2028 to qualify for full state incentives. Meanwhile, Hyundai has been adjusting to market conditions, slashing prices following the expiration of the federally backed $7,500 EV tax credit. Source: CBT News.

Despite these manufacturing investments, Cox Automotive forecasts EV sales to decline through the early months of 2026 before recovering. For property owners, growing domestic EV production means more vehicles on the road in coming years, regardless of near-term sales fluctuations. Installing charging infrastructure now positions properties to serve the expanding EV population as production ramps up.

10 New Electric Vehicles Arriving in 2026

The 2026 model year brings an impressive array of new electric vehicles spanning every price point and segment. At the affordable end, the BYD Atto 1 is expected to launch at approximately $23,990, potentially making it the cheapest electric car available in many markets. The Suzuki e-Vitara marks the Japanese automaker's first mass-produced EV, arriving in SUV format early in 2026 with an expected 400-kilometer range. The Hyundai Elexio, a mid-sized SUV with futuristic design, promises more than 500 kilometers per charge and is also due early in the year. Source: The Driven.

The luxury segment sees the Polestar 5 arriving at approximately $171,000, featuring dual motors and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds. The Mazda 6e electric sedan is scheduled for mid-2026 with 500-kilometer range and a rear motor configuration. Toyota enters the electric utility vehicle segment with the HiLux EV, priced between $90,000 and $100,000 in the first half of 2026. Other notable arrivals include the Kia PV5 electric van with 412-kilometer base range, the Honda Super-ONE compact urban vehicle, the XPeng X9 seven-seat people-mover, and the Leapmotor B05 five-door hatchback.

This diverse lineup addresses the primary concern we discussed in our 2025 year-end review: the need for more affordable EV options. Vehicles like the BYD Atto 1, the Kia EV3, and the Slate truck expand access to electric transportation for buyers who could not previously afford EVs, directly growing the population of drivers who need charging infrastructure.

Tesla Cybertruck Long Range Adds Affordable Entry Point

Tesla has expanded the Cybertruck lineup with the Long Range single-motor variant, offering 362 miles of range with the optional soft tonneau cover at a starting price of $71,985, roughly $10,000 less than the all-wheel-drive model. The rear-wheel-drive configuration achieves this extended range by removing the front motor, resulting in 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. Without the tonneau cover, the Long Range delivers 350 miles per charge. Source: Car and Driver.

The Long Range model trades some capability for efficiency and affordability. Towing capacity drops to 7,500 pounds from the 11,000 pounds available in dual and tri-motor models. The air suspension is replaced with coil springs, fixing ground clearance at 9.6 inches rather than the adjustable 16-inch maximum of other variants. Interior features are also simplified, with cloth seats, fewer speakers, no rear touchscreen, smaller wheels, and reduced bed utility features. Source: MotorTrend.

The Cybertruck has begun expanding beyond North America, with deliveries occurring in South Korea and more planned for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For property owners, the growing Cybertruck population represents another segment of EV drivers needing charging access. The Cybertruck's large battery benefits from overnight Level 2 charging at home or work, making destination charging infrastructure particularly valuable for these owners.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's news demonstrates continued momentum in both EV products and charging infrastructure despite policy uncertainties. The Model Y Juniper refresh keeps Tesla's best-seller competitive, while the Cybertruck Long Range creates a more accessible entry point to Tesla's truck lineup. Wisconsin's successful lawsuit and subsequent grant awards show that states can still access federal charging funds despite the NEVI freeze.

Georgia's emergence as an EV manufacturing hub signals the automotive industry's long-term commitment to electrification. Combined with the 10 new EVs arriving in 2026, particularly affordable options like the BYD Atto 1, the addressable market for EV charging continues expanding. As noted in our coverage of Tesla's record Supercharger year, robust charging networks drive EV adoption, which in turn justifies further infrastructure investment.

For Los Angeles property owners, the federal charger tax credit deadline of June 30, 2026 remains the most actionable near-term consideration. Properties that install charging infrastructure before this deadline maximize available incentives while positioning to serve the growing EV driver population. Whether for residential or commercial applications, Shaffer Construction provides expert guidance on charger selection and installation.

Conclusion

The 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper delivers the comprehensive refresh that the world's best-selling EV deserved, with 327 miles of range and meaningful improvements throughout. Wisconsin's $14 million in EV charging grants demonstrates that federal infrastructure funding remains accessible to states willing to fight for it. Georgia's growing EV manufacturing presence, with Rivian and Hyundai plants, ensures increasing domestic EV production in coming years. The 10 new electric vehicles arriving in 2026 address every market segment, from the $23,990 BYD Atto 1 to the $171,000 Polestar 5. For Los Angeles property owners, these developments reinforce that EV adoption continues accelerating and properties with charging infrastructure will be well-positioned to serve this expanding market. Acting before the June 30, 2026 tax credit deadline maximizes available incentives.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

Shaffer Construction, Inc.
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