Tesla uses several different types of batteries in its electric vehicles. They mainly use the lithium-ion battery but there are four types of them. They are the 18650-type, the 2170-type, the 4680-type, and the prismatic-type Tesla battery.
Let’s know about the Tesla battery types for different Tesla models.
Tesla Battery Types for Different Tesla Models
Throughout its nearly two-decade history, Tesla has exclusively employed these four battery types.
Each of these battery types is crafted by a different manufacturer.
Now, let’s delve into a comprehensive exploration of the batteries that power various Tesla models.
1. The 18650-Type Tesla Battery
| Capacity | 232 Ah, 5.3kWh |
| Weight | 55 Pounds |
| Height | 3.1 Inches |
| Length | 26.2 Inches |
| Width | 11.2 Inches |
| Charge Voltage Cut-Off | 4.2V/Cell, 25.2V/Module |
| Max Discharging Current | 750 Amps |
| Discharging Cut-Off | 3.3V/Cell, 19.8/Module |
18650-type Tesla batteries have many advantages over other types of batteries, including:
- High energy density: 18650-type Tesla batteries have a high energy density, meaning that they can store a lot of energy in a small space. This makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles, which need to have a long-range on a single charge.
- Lightweight: 18650-type Tesla batteries are lightweight, which makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles. Reducing the weight of the battery pack can help to improve the range and performance of the vehicle.
- Affordable: 18650-type Tesla batteries are relatively affordable, which helps to keep the cost of electric vehicles down.
However, 18650-type Tesla batteries also have some disadvantages, including:
- Shorter lifespan: 18650-type Tesla batteries have a shorter lifespan than other types of batteries, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This means that they may need to be replaced sooner than other types of batteries.
- Safety concerns: 18650-type Tesla batteries can be dangerous if they are not handled properly. They can catch fire or explode if they are punctured or overheated.
Models that use it:
The 18650-type batteries are being used in the most recent Tesla Model X. With the high energy density, the Model X can go from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds and the top speed is 163mph.
The Roadster and the Model S are also using the 18650-type batteries. The Roadster can travel up to 244 miles on a single charge of this battery.
And for the Model S, it is the perfect battery type. Model S can go 405 miles on a single charge because the battery has thousands of 18650 cells. The peak efficiency is 94% on Model S and it only takes 2.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
18650-type batteries are also used in Tesla’s energy storage products, such as the Powerwall and Powerpack.
2. The 4680-Type Tesla Battery
| Cell Measurements | 46mm x 80mm |
| Cell Weight | 355 g |
| Nickel Content | 81.6% |
| Total Energy | 96-99 Wh |
| Total Capacity | 9,000 mAh |
| Energy Density | 272-296 Wh/kg |
The 4680-type Tesla battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery that is 46 mm in diameter and 80 mm tall. It is significantly larger than the 18650-type battery, which is 18 mm in diameter and 65 mm tall.
Tesla is currently transitioning from 18650-type batteries to 4680-type batteries.
The 4680-type battery has some advantages over the 18650-type battery, including:
- Higher energy density: The 4680-type battery has a higher energy density than the 18650-type battery, meaning that it can store more energy in a smaller space. This makes it ideal for use in electric vehicles, which need to have a long-range on a single charge.
- Longer lifespan: The 4680-type battery has a longer lifespan than the 18650-type battery. This means that it may not need to be replaced as soon as the 18650-type battery.
- Lower cost: Tesla believes that the 4680-type battery will be less expensive to produce than the 18650-type battery. This is due to the larger size of the 4680-type battery, which allows Tesla to use fewer batteries to achieve the same range.
Models that use it:
The 4680-type battery is still under development, but Tesla has begun using it in some of its vehicles, including:
- Model Y
- Cybertruck
Tesla plans to use the 4680-type battery in all of its vehicles in the future.
The 4680-type battery is a key part of Tesla’s plan to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. By using this new battery technology, Tesla can produce vehicles with a longer range and a lower cost.
3. The 2170-Type Tesla Battery
| Weight | 68g |
| Dimension | 21mm x 70mm |
| Capacity | 4800 mAh |
| Max Charge | 4.2V |
| Low Discharge | 2.5V |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.7V |
The 2170-type Tesla battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery that is 21 mm in diameter and 70 mm tall. It is larger than the 18650-type battery. These batteries are manufactured by Panasonic and they are made for only Tesla’s electric vehicles.
They are most likely the same as the 18650 type but there is some specification difference that makes the 2170 type a better battery for the upcoming Tesla vehicles. Some of them are:
- Higher energy density: The 2170-type battery has a higher energy density than the 18650-type battery, meaning that it can store more energy in a smaller space
The 2170 has a capacity of 4800 mAh per cell which means it makes itself ideal for electric vehicles.
- Longer lifespan: The nominal voltage, maximum charge, and lowest discharge of the 2170-type battery are the same as those of the 18650-type.
However, the 2170-type battery has a longer lifespan than the 18650-type battery. This means that it may not need to be replaced as soon as the 18650-type battery. Neither Tesla nor Panasonic want to disclose the detailed specifications but there is a significant improvement in the lifespan.
- Lower cost: Tesla believes that the 2170-type battery will be less expensive to produce than the 18650-type or the 4680-type batteries.
The 2170-type battery is currently used in the following Tesla models:
- Model 3
- Model Y
The Tesla 3 and Y share 75% of their components and they both are priced reasonably. With the 2170 type battery the model Y has a insane 97% efficiency and the 2017 model 3 has 93% efficiency.
Tesla plans to use the 2170-type battery in all of its vehicles until the 4680-type battery is fully ramped up in production.
The 2170-type battery is a key part of Tesla’s plan to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. By using this new battery technology, Tesla was able to produce vehicles with a longer range and a lower cost.
4. The Prismatic-Type Tesla Battery
The prismatic-type Tesla battery is a rectangular lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. It is different from the cylindrical lithium-ion batteries that Tesla uses in most of its vehicles.
The prismatic-type Tesla battery has several advantages:
- Lower cost: LFP batteries are less expensive to produce than lithium-ion batteries. This can help to reduce the cost of electric vehicles.
- Longer lifespan: LFP batteries have a longer lifespan than lithium-ion batteries. This means that they may not need to be replaced as soon as lithium-ion batteries.
- Safer: LFP batteries are less likely to catch fire or explode than lithium-ion batteries. This makes them a safer option for use in electric vehicles.
However, the prismatic-type Tesla battery also has some disadvantages, including:
- Lower energy density: LFP batteries have a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries. This means that they cannot store as much energy in the same volume. This can reduce the range of electric vehicles that use LFP batteries.
- Heavier: LFP batteries are heavier than lithium-ion batteries. This can reduce the performance of electric vehicles that use LFP batteries.
Tesla is planning to use the prismatic-type battery in the following models in upcoming years:
- Model 3
- Model Y
- Tesla is also considering using the prismatic-type battery in other models, such as the Cybertruck.
The main goal for using the prismatic type battery is to lower the cost and move away from nickel and cobalt. Tesla is planning to upgrade the prismatic-type batteries and make them a great alternative to the 2170-type batteries.
The prismatic-type Tesla battery is a good option for electric vehicles that need to be affordable and safe. However, they have lower energy density and weight than LFP batteries.
Related Post: Who Makes Tesla Batteries?
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What are the different types of Tesla batteries?
Tesla has various Lithium-ion batteries in different sizes and capacities. In recent times Telsa is planning to switch to the Nickel Cobalt Aluminum and Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistries just to make their EV affordable and safer.
Which Tesla model has LFP Battery?
Tesla first introduced the LFP batteries in the Tesla Model 3. And they are putting the LFP battery in the model Y too.
Are LFP batteries better than Lithium ion?
If safety is in the streak, Yes the LFP batteries are better than the Lithium Ion but considering the power density and efficiency, the Lithium-ion is far better than the LFP batteries.
Does Tesla use NMC or LFP?
Tesla uses LFP batteries in its vehicles. In the upcoming years, there will be various models that have LFP batteries.
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