What type of batteries do Tesla cars use?
2 Answers
Tesla's vehicle models all use ternary lithium-ion batteries, specifically the 18650 batteries produced by Sony. These batteries are similar in size to AA batteries, and a Tesla car contains approximately 8,000 of these 18650 batteries. Ternary Lithium-ion Batteries: 1. The cathode is made of 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. 2. Ternary lithium-ion batteries are currently quite popular, with most pure electric vehicles using them. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter in weight and have higher energy density, making them very suitable for pure electric vehicles. Some pure electric vehicles also use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which offer better safety compared to ternary lithium-ion batteries. However, LFP batteries have lower energy density and are heavier than ternary lithium-ion batteries.
I've been driving a Tesla Model 3 for two years, and people often ask what kind of battery it uses. Tesla vehicles mainly rely on lithium-ion batteries, specifically small cylindrical models like the 2170 or the newer 4680, which have high energy density and enable the car to achieve long ranges—my Model 3 can go over 500 km on a full charge. Charging is fast; at a Supercharger, I can get most of the battery topped up in about half an hour, making daily commutes very convenient. The downside is that performance drops in cold weather, so I have to preheat the car or avoid extreme low temperatures. Tesla has also experimented with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in some base models, which are safer and more cost-effective, but lithium-ion remains the primary choice. Future innovations might shift toward solid-state batteries, but for now, this battery design is quite reliable, requires minimal maintenance, and has no major issues—I often recommend it to friends to try out.
