What kind of battery does Tesla use?
2 Answers
Tesla's vehicle models all use ternary lithium-ion batteries, which have cathodes made from ternary materials. Ternary materials refer to three types of materials: nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Some ternary lithium-ion batteries may also use nickel, cobalt, and aluminum to make the cathode. Most pure electric vehicles use ternary lithium-ion batteries due to their lighter weight and higher energy density, making them highly suitable for pure electric vehicles. Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company that manufactures and sells electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy storage equipment. Headquartered in Palo Alto, it was co-founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. The founders named the company "Tesla Motors" in honor of the physicist Nikola Tesla.
Tesla primarily uses lithium-ion batteries, and there are quite a few types. I understand that the early Model S used 18650 cylindrical cells, while the newer Model 3 and Model Y have switched to 21700 or 4680 cylindrical cells. The Model 3 in the Chinese market uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which are more cost-effective. The core materials of these batteries are nickel-cobalt-aluminum or lithium iron, enabling high energy density and improved range. The battery design includes modular packs and a management system to ensure safe and efficient charging. Temperature control is crucial, as cold weather can affect performance, but this is mitigated through thermal management. In terms of lifespan, they typically come with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty. Why use cylindrical cells? They offer better heat dissipation, higher reliability, and lower fire risk. In the future, more advanced technologies, such as tabless designs, may be integrated into the 4680 cells to enhance production capacity and energy density. These batteries are key to Tesla's electric performance, directly determining its acceleration and range advantages.
