What type of batteries do Tesla electric vehicles use?
2 Answers
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.
