
Tesla electric vehicles use ternary lithium batteries, which offer advantages such as lightweight, high capacity, and no memory effect. These batteries have a very high energy density, with a capacity 1.5 to 2 times that of nickel-metal hydride batteries of the same weight, and feature a very low self-discharge rate. Tesla's vehicle lineup includes the Model 3, Model Y, and Model S. The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a permanent magnet motor, paired with a single-speed transmission for electric vehicles, delivering a maximum power of 202 kW and a maximum torque of 404 Nm. In terms of safety, the Tesla Model 3 comes with features such as tire pressure monitoring, seatbelt reminder, ABS anti-lock braking system, and traction control system.

Tesla primarily uses lithium-ion batteries, specifically those with nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathode materials. The high-performance versions of the Model S and X both utilize this type, which boasts exceptionally high energy density, easily achieving a range of over 500 kilometers, making long-distance travel worry-free. Charging speed is also quite fast, with the Supercharger able to reach 80% in just 30 minutes. However, these batteries have a drawback: they contain cobalt, which not only makes them expensive but also poses environmental burdens during mining. Tesla sources these batteries from Panasonic and is now advancing its own 4680 battery cells, which improve safety and capacity. The Model Y and Cybertruck will use this new design. The battery management system is a critical piece of software that monitors temperature and state to prevent over-discharge. In contrast, standard models like the Model 3 have started using cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Although these have lower energy density, they are more heat-resistant and have a longer lifespan, making them suitable for daily driving. Overall, the high performance of NCA batteries has kept Tesla at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry, but the future will see a gradual shift toward cobalt-free and solid-state batteries.

I've been driving a Tesla Model 3 for several years with its NCA-type lithium-ion battery, and the overall experience has been fantastic. The range does decrease slightly in winter, but a full charge still gets me over 450 kilometers, which is more than enough for daily city commuting. Charging is super convenient—installing a home charger means an overnight top-up, while superchargers handle long trips in just half an hour. Battery longevity is impressive too, with less than 10% capacity loss after 70,000-80,000 kilometers, and maintenance is minimal. Just watch out for extreme temperatures affecting performance; parking in the shade during summer helps. Tesla's now rolling out the new 4680 battery with higher energy density and faster charging, set for the Cybertruck—I'm eager to try it. All in all, lithium-ion batteries make EVs worry-free and cost-effective, saving a bundle on fuel.

Tesla's vehicles primarily use NCA-type lithium-ion batteries. The production and use of these batteries can reduce carbon emissions, making electric vehicles much more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered cars. Tesla promotes a recycling program where old batteries are processed to extract and reuse materials, minimizing waste. However, battery manufacturing requires mining minerals like nickel and cobalt, which may harm ecosystems, so the company is developing cobalt-free 4680 batteries to mitigate this impact. Long-range capabilities encourage clean transportation and support sustainable development.

Tesla began experimenting with lithium-ion batteries in its early Roadster days, when energy density was low, offering only a range of over 300 kilometers. Later, the Model S and X switched to Panasonic's NCA batteries, which increased energy density and more than doubled the range to over 500 kilometers. During technological evolution, intelligent management systems were introduced to optimize performance and reduce aging. Now, the mass production of the new 4680 battery increases energy by another 30% at a lower cost. The Model Y is the first to use it, and the future Cybertruck will also rely on this design. Each iteration focuses on improving efficiency and safety, continuously driving innovation in electric vehicles.


