Tesla is the world's largest electric car manufacturer and many wonder what batteries the company uses. Is there a secret battery type that allows it to achieve success?
Well, if we look at almost 20 years of Tesla, it seems that the secret lies not in a particular battery, but in the approach - very pragmatic, flexible, geared to constant evolution, adaptation, and looking for opportunities.
Battery cell form factor
When the company started its journey with the original Tesla Roadster, there were not many types of lithium-ion batteries to choose from. Tesla simply decided to use 18650-type (recently called 1865) cylindrical batteries, designed for general purpose (slightly adapted to EVs).
They were difficult to use, due to a high number of small cells (low capacity) in the battery pack (several thousand), but available at a consistent quality and in high volume. With outstanding engineering to handle electrical and thermal management (liquid cooling), Tesla went the pragmatic path (some other companies started to use the new pouch or prismatic cell types at the time).
The 1865-type cells were used in the Roadster and Model S/Model X (including the refreshed ones). The primary supplier of those cells for Tesla is Panasonic (from Japan).
Later on, Tesla figured out that it would be better to have a larger battery cell (higher capacity per cell, and a lower number of cells), optimized for electric cars. This is how the 2170-type cylindrical cell entered the market in high volume for the Tesla Model 3/Tesla Model Y as well as for energy storage products.
The 2170-type was initially produced by Panasonic at the Tesla Gigafactory 1 in Nevada (currently at roughly 38-39 GWh/year). In recent years, LG Chem's LG Energy Solution has also become the supplier of such cells for Tesla - producing them in China, mainly for the Tesla Giga Shanghai plant.
The newest andso far the largest cylindrical cell format, the 4680-type, entered the market this year. The cell is physically 5-times bigger than the 2170-type, which allows for further optimizing the system and introduction of some new technologies. However, the size and new solutions make it challenging to produce. This is why Tesla has started its own, in-house development and production in California and Texas, and encourages suppliers - including Panasonic - to accelerate their efforts.
Those are the three cylindrical cell types used by Tesla in its electric cars, but there is a fourth one - prismatic type, for the LFP batteries, supplied by CATL. As of Q1 2022, almost half of all Tesla cars were equipped with prismatic LFP batteries. It's another clear example of pragmatic adaptation to market demand, as the prismatic LFP batteries are the foundation of the less expensive, entry-level Tesla models.
Tesla battery cell types:
- 1865-type (18 mm in diameter and 65 mm tall)
use: Roadster (original), Model S, Model X - 2170-type (21 mm in diameter and 70 mm tall)
use: Model 3, Model Y - 4680-type (46 mm in diameter and 80 mm tall)
use: Model Y Made-in-Texas (in the future also Model Y from Germany and new models) - prismatic
use: entry-level Model 3 and Model Y
Battery cell chemistry
All of Tesla's traction batteries are lithium-ion batteries, but they are not all the same. There are several main cathode chemistries, each of which evolves over the years.
The three main cathode types in Tesla EVs:
- nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA)
- nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM)
- lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
The two first - NCA and NCM - have a high energy density, which predisposes them to use in long-range versions of Tesla cars. Those two types were used in cylindrical cells (NCA in 1865 and 2170 from Panasonic, NCM in 2170 from LGES).
The LFP is a less energy-dense type. It does not contain any nickel or cobalt, which makes it less expensive. It's a perfect fit for entry-level models and energy storage systems. Tesla uses prismatic LFP cells from CATL.
In the recent 2021 Impact Report, Tesla explains that it"will continue to advance a diversified cathode strategy for LFP, nickel-rich and manganese-rich cathodes to address various market segments for vehicle and energy storage products and provide future flexibility based on raw materials availability and pricing."
Tesla tries to increase nickel content and reduce the cobalt content in NCA and NCM batteries, which would reduce the cost and improve energy density (and range). However, it's not easy to remove cobalt because of its role in the safety and longevity of the battery.
"Tesla will continue to advance a diversified cathode strategy for LFP, nickel-rich and manganese-rich cathodes to address various market segments for vehicle and energy storage products and provide future flexibility based on raw materials availability and pricing."
The company also notes that in the coming years, its absolute cobalt demand will increase, because the production growth of batteries and vehicles is forecasted to outpace the overall rate of cobalt reduction on a per-cell basis.
We must also remember that the cathode is not the only element of the battery and there are constant improvements to all elements, including the anode (silicon vs. graphite content) and the electrolyte.
Battery suppliers
Finally, the battery suppliers. Initially, and for a long time, Tesla's primary battery supplier happened to be Panasonic - 1865- and 2170-type cells with NCA chemistry. But later it was joined by LG Energy Solution (2170-type cells with NCM chemistry) and CATL (prismatic LFP chemistry).
On top of that, Tesla has started its own battery production - the 4680-type cell with undisclosed chemistry (but most likely a high energy dense one). Tesla's1 millionth cell was produced in California in January (an electric car might need up to about a 1,000 such cells).
In other words, we can see progressing diversification:
- Panasonic:
Japan: 1865-type NCA (main use: Model S/Model X)
US (Gigafactory 1 in Nevada: 2170-type NCA (main use: Model 3/Model Y from California) - LG Chem's LG Energy Solution:
China: 2170-type NCM (main use: MIC Model 3/Model Y and MIG Model Y) - CATL:
China: prismatic LFP (main use: entry-level Model 3/Model Y globally) - Tesla:
California/Texas: 4680-type, undisclosed chemistry (main use: Made-in-Texas Model Y)
* there might be other suppliers and other use cases (supplier/cell format/chemistry), but those are general ones.
As we can see, the battery topic has become quite complex. It seems that Tesla moves forward with new types of batteries, but so far does not resign from the previous ones (partially due to lack of battery manufacturing capacity and additional cost to redesign products for new cells).
Only time will tell how fast and successful the latest branch of 4680-type batteries will be.
FAQs
All of Tesla's traction batteries are lithium-ion batteries, but they are not all the same.
What kind of battery does Tesla electric car use? ›
All Tesla's EVs are powered by four kinds of batteries: 18650-type, 2170-type, 4680-type, and prismatic-type Tesla batteries. The 18650-type Tesla battery powers the Model S and the Model X. (It was also used for the original Roadster); the 2170-type is used for the Model 3 and Model Y.
What is better lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate batteries? ›
In most ways, LiFePO4 batteries are better than comparable lithium-ion batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are less prone to combustion and thermal runaway, making them safer for home use. Plus, a longer cycle life means the LiFePO4 batteries will outlast lithium-ion for up to five times longer.
Do we have enough lithium? ›
While the world does have enough lithium to power the electric vehicle revolution, it's less a question of quantity, and more a question of accessibility. Earth has approximately 88 million tonnes of lithium, but only one-quarter is economically viable to mine as reserves.
Are lithium-ion batteries bad for the environment? ›
Lithium-ion batteries contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are toxic and can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems if they leach out of landfills. Additionally, fires in landfills or battery-recycling facilities have been attributed to inappropriate disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
Where does Tesla get its lithium from? ›
As mentioned, back in 2020, Musk surprised the lithium industry by saying Tesla had acquired the rights to lithium-rich clay deposits in Nevada; it said it had found a way to mine the material in a sustainable and simple way — using table salt and water.
Are all Teslas lithium batteries? ›
Battery cell chemistry
All of Tesla's traction batteries are lithium-ion batteries, but they are not all the same. There are several main cathode chemistries, each of which evolves over the years. The three main cathode types in Tesla EVs: nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA)
What is the disadvantage of lithium ferro phosphate battery? ›
The disadvantage of lithium iron phosphate battery is that its performance is greatly affected by temperature, especially in low temperature environment, the discharge capacity and capacity will be greatly reduced.
What is the disadvantage of lithium-ion phosphate battery? ›
These batteries don't perform well at low temperatures and need more protection and care. Transportation and aging effects are also common in lithium iron phosphate batteries. One of the drawbacks of LPF is deep discharge and low density. These flaws make these batteries unfit for small devices such as smartphones.
What are the disadvantages of lithium batteries? ›
Despite its overall advantages, lithium-ion has its drawbacks. It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation. Built into each pack, the protection circuit limits the peak voltage of each cell during charge and prevents the cell voltage from dropping too low on discharge.
U.S. geological survey the world is getting better at mining battery metals including lithium. As of 2021, it was estimated that the world had 88 million tonnes of lithium resources.
Which country has the most lithium? ›
Where is lithium available from? With 8 million tons, Chile has the world's largest known lithium reserves. This puts the South American country ahead of Australia (2.7 million tons), Argentina (2 million tons) and China (1 million tons). Within Europe, Portugal has smaller quantities of the valuable raw material.
What would happen if Earth ran out of lithium? ›
Running Out of Lithium
An inability to produce enough lithium would result in severe delays to the roll out and implementation of electric transport and renewable power – as such, it is fair to question whether there is enough of the prized element to meet global needs.
Is lithium mining worse than fossil fuels? ›
While the hazards of lithium mining can cause significant harm to the environment during its production, it is still more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
How dirty is lithium mining? ›
Why is lithium extraction bad for the environment? Any type of resource extraction is harmful to the planet. This is because removing these raw materials can result in soil degradation, water shortages, biodiversity loss, damage to ecosystem functions and an increase in global warming.
What happens to EV batteries at end of life? ›
Yes, when EV batteries reach the end of their working life, they will be recycled.
How bad is mining lithium for the environment? ›
The process of extracting lithium consumes significant amounts of water and energy, and lithium mining can pollute the air and water with chemicals and heavy metals. In addition, mining lithium can disrupt wildlife habitats and cause soil erosion, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Where is lithium mined in the US? ›
Lithium production moved overseas beginning in the 1970s, and now there is only one active mine left in the country, in Clayton Valley near Silver Peak, Nevada.
Can Tesla batteries be recycled? ›
What happens to Tesla battery packs once they reach their end of life? Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere that are not recovered for reuse, materials in a Tesla lithium-ion battery are recoverable and recyclable.
What does Tesla use instead of lithium? ›
Tesla announced in fall 2021 that they would be switching to LFP batteries in all standard range Model 3 and Model Ys. By Q1 of 2022, half of the vehicles delivered worldwide were equipped with these new batteries. The LFP cells are also 2170s, largely produced by CATL in China.
What Tesla Says About Battery Lifespan. According to Tesla's 2021 impact report, its batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, which the company estimates as roughly 200,000 miles in the U.S. and 150,000 miles in Europe.
How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery? ›
Typically, depending on the car, the most basic battery replacement in tesla costs between $5,000 and $20,000. For the Model S premium sedan, replacing a Tesla battery costs around $13,000-$20,000. Model 3 entry-level sedan and Model X premium SUV battery replacement can cost at least $13,000 and $14,000 respectively.
What are the biggest problems with lithium-ion batteries? ›
All lithium-ion batteries use flammable materials, and incidents such as the one in the Bronx are likely the result of “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction which can lead to a fire or catastrophic explosion, according to Khoo.
What is the lifespan of a lithium iron phosphate battery? ›
Lithium has a long lifespan
Super B lithium iron phosphate batteries live up to 5000 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge, without decreasing in performance. The average lifetime of lead-acid batteries is just two years.
What is the life span of a lithium iron phosphate battery? ›
Roughly speaking, depending on the quality and type, your lithium battery can last anywhere from two to over ten years. More affordable lithium-ion batteries typically have between 500 and 3000 life cycles. While premium Lithium Iron Phosphate LFP batteries can last anywhere from 3500 to over 4000 cycles.
Is lithium phosphate bad for the environment? ›
Among them, lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally considered to contain no heavy metals and rare metals, non-toxic (in line with SGS certification), non-polluting, in line with European RoHS, for absolute green environmentally friendly batteries.
What is the failure rate of lithium-ion battery? ›
By comparison, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say that your chance of being struck by lightning in the course of a lifetime is about 1 in 13,000. Lithium-ion batteries have a failure rate that is less than one in a million. The failure rate of a quality Li-ion cell is better than 1 in 10 million.
Can lithium phosphate batteries freeze? ›
Lithium iron phosphate batteries do face one major disadvantage in cold weather; they can't be charged at freezing temperatures. You should never attempt to charge a LiFePO4 battery if the temperature is below 32°F.
What are 3 negative features of lithium-ion batteries? ›
Drawbacks or disadvantages of Lithium Ion Battery
➨It lasts only two to three years after manufacturer. ➨It is sensitive to high temperatures. ➨If the battery is completely discharged, it can no longer be recharged again. ➨It is relatively expensive.
What battery is better than lithium-ion? ›
Sodium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries — currently the most widely used type of rechargeable battery.
Lithium batteries can produce dangerous heat levels, cause ignition, short circuit very easily, and cause inextinguishable fires. That's why renowned aviation authorities, including those in the USA, have banned lithium batteries when traveling.
What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery? ›
What Tesla Says About Battery Lifespan. According to Tesla's 2021 impact report, its batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, which the company estimates as roughly 200,000 miles in the U.S. and 150,000 miles in Europe.
How many years does a Tesla battery last? ›
warranty coverage. On Twitter, Elon Musk explained that Tesla car batteries should last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles or 1,500 battery charge cycles. That's between 22 and 37 years for the average car driver, who, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT), drives 13,476 miles per year.
How much is a Tesla battery? ›
While newer versions, including the Model 3 and Model S Plaid, only use four to five modules. Considering this, expect Tesla battery replacements to start between $20,000 and $35,000. However, these prices could increase as they do not include incidental expenses (like other parts) and labor.
How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced? ›
How often does a Tesla battery need to be replaced? There haven't been many electric cars that needed battery replacement, but according to Elon Musk, your Tesla batteries last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That's around 22 to 37 years for someone driving an average of 40 miles a day.
How well does Tesla work in cold weather? ›
Teslas have some of the best batteries for cold weather. Teslas have also been shown to be very good at keeping heat while idling and performing at the same level as ICEs. Car and Driver found that their 2019 Tesla Model 3 could sit at 65 degrees for two days before it ran out of power.
Do Teslas need oil changes? ›
Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at a charging station? ›
Considering most Tesla vehicles have a 50 kWh battery, the cost to charge the vehicle at a charging station ranges from absolutely free to $21.50. However, if you have a 100kWh battery, it may cost up to $43 to charge your vehicle at a charging station.
Does Tesla replace batteries for free? ›
The Long Range and Performance trims have a mileage limit of 120,000 miles. These warranties guarantee that batteries will retain a minimum of 70% capacity retention within this period. If your battery falls below this level of capacity, Tesla may replace the battery under warranty at no additional cost.
What happens if a Tesla runs out of battery? ›
If you're driving an electric car and it runs out of power, the short and simple answer is this: the car will stop—and you'll need to call roadside assistance to get towed to the nearest charging station.
I was surprised at what I saw. The lowest end set of 4 tires costs about $450 for all 4 and the highest end tires costs about $1,200 for all 4. My Tesla came with the highest end tires, so it is good to know that Tesla was not skimping on tires when I bought my vehicle.
Does Tesla insurance cover battery replacement? ›
Yes! A standard Tesla warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What is Tesla maintenance cost? ›
According to RepairPal, the average Tesla maintenance cost is $832 per year. That compares to an average of $652 per year for all car models sold in the United States. Depending on which services your Tesla needs, you may end up spending much more than the average car owner on yearly maintenance needs.
How much does a Tesla add to your electric bill? ›
With a charging efficiency of about 94% and a discharge efficiency of 90%, the electricity used by a Tesla battery is remarkably low, so you won't have to worry about your electric bill ballooning. Based on the national average cost of electricity, charging your Tesla only costs $13.96.
Do electric cars lose range over time? ›
Yes, some EVs can lose up to 35% of their range in freezing conditions, but each model performs differently, as our chart illustrates. All electric cars experience some degree of range loss in cold weather.
How much is the cheapest Tesla? ›
2023 Model 3 prices: The “cheapest” Tesla
We will try our best to keep this article updated with the latest pricing for you. Let's dig in. Currently, the Rear-Wheel Drive trim of the Tesla Model 3 starts at an MSRP of $40,240 with zero upgrades, not including any taxes, destination, or other fees.
