Which batteries is Tesla using in its models?

Tesla has been instrumental in revolutionising the automotive industry by introducing high-performance and environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Tesla's success lies not in inventing a breakthrough battery pack, but in a pragmatic and flexible approach that focuses on constant evolution, adaptation and exploration of opportunities.

Tesla's success is not about inventing a breakthrough battery pack, but a pragmatic and flexible approach that focuses on constant evolution, adaptation and exploration of opportunities.

The first Tesla electric car batteries

Tesla's electric cars are based on lithium-ion batteries, which serve as the foundation of energy storage technology for most of today's electric cars and other devices. When Tesla began its journey, the choice of lithium-ion batteries was sparse. So Tesla simply decided to use cylindrical 18650 type batteries with nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) chemistry designed for general purpose use. 18650 type batteries are used in the Tesla Model S and Model X (including updated ones). The main supplier of these cells to Tesla is Panasonic.

Panasonic is the main supplier of these cells to Tesla.

The 21700 form factor battery cell

The experience of production and operation of electric vehicles with 18650 batteries showed the need for a new battery cell. This is how the 21700 cylindrical cell came to be. 21700 cells have a lower internal resistance, which provides a more efficient charging rate, which is an added convenience for electric vehicle owners. The use of 21700 cells has simplified the assembly of the battery module by reducing the number of connections between cells. This simplification reduces the overall complexity and cost of battery manufacturing.

The new Tesla Model 3, introduced in the summer of 2017, was the first model to receive Tesla's Type 21700 battery. The Tesla Model Y compact crossover, made up of 75 per cent Model 3 parts, also functions on 21700 cells. 

The 21700 form factor cells were originally manufactured by Panasonic using NCA technology. Later, due to the increasing production of Tesla cars, LG Energy Solution joined the production of these cells, producing them in China for the Shanghai Tesla Giga plant using NCM technology.

A new stage in the evolution of battery cells Tesla – the 46800

Really recently, Tesla introduced a new battery variant of the Model Y electric car with 46800 form factor battery cells. The new battery does not have modules as it was done before. The 46800 cells are integrated into the body of the car and act as a power cell. According to Tesla, the new 46800 form factor cells will provide cars with 16% more range. At the same time, the cost of the cell is 14 per cent lower per kW·h of capacity. Tesla produces the 46800 cells in-house using NCM technology.

Following global trends — prismatic LFP battery type

Tesla, until recently, exclusively used the cylindrical cell type. However, the Model 3 and Model Y now use a prismatic type for the LFP batteries supplied by CATL. This keeps the price of these models at the same level, thus effectively countering the increasing competition. At the same time, owners of LFP batteries will receive a number of advantages:
    • safer battery;
    • LFP battery life is not reduced when the battery is charged to 100%, making it easier to operate the electric vehicle.

This is another prime example of Tesla's pragmatic adaptation to the market situation.

Why know the construction and chemistry of an electric car battery?

While knowing the chemical composition and construction of an electric vehicle battery can be helpful in understanding the performance, range and charging mode of an electric vehicle, it is not mandatory for electric vehicle owners. Most modern electric vehicles come with comprehensive warranties and maintenance plans that ensure optimal battery performance over the life of the battery. However, such knowledge is mandatory for car service personnel to restore electric vehicle performance efficiently and in the shortest possible time.

Accordingly, it is not mandatory for electric vehicle owners.

All the knowledge needed to diagnose and repair Tesla vehicles, and electric vehicle batteries, can be obtained at MSG Equipment's Training Centre through relevant courses. The training takes place online on the ZOOM platform. The training process is based on the Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle and the LOKI diagnostic scanner, as well as the Electric Vehicle Battery Tester MS800.