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Tesla's LFP Batteries - An Important Development in Battery Technology
Tesla has been making LFP batteries in China for a while, and with the recent change to the 2022 Model 3 RWD (base model), which we saw some range tests on, they are now getting much more attention. Are they close to the 4680 batteries?
The LFP battery is just a different chemistry and way of making a battery containing more iron. They are popular with the Chinese and a little heavier than the Lithium-ion battery. The 2170s or 4680s that are a pouch that comes from the Korean and Chinese companies. These batteries should last 1 million miles now. The LFP batteries should last longer.
They are different in that they last longer and they also don't have as much charge or as much "oomph" as Sandy Munro likes to call it. If you want major performance and a super long range, then the LFP may not be the battery you want. You may want to wait for the 4680 batteries or another battery advancement for that. There is less of a risk with the LFP batteries catching fire as well.
Uses of the LFP Battery
Could you make a Model S Plaid with LFP? Sandy says you would be foolish to go with LFP batteries for the Plaid. They are not the right fit for a high octane performance vehicle. They just won't give you the speed and performance that the lithium-ion batteries can give you. The Plaid is all about "oomph" - speed and performance. Not lifetime of the battery or range - though the Plaid does have a lot of range.
You can charge the LFP batteries to 100% - why is that? You can take your standard batteries and charge them to 100% it will just take a while. With LFP, it takes less time to bring them to 100% charge. If you are looking at a speed limit, you may get there sooner with an LFP. But if you want to accelerate and move fast, LFP may not be what you want.
Tesla has made LFP batteries in China and not the U.S. Why is that? The Chinese generally like to go less fast than Americans, that is one reason. There are also a lot of separate manufacturing facilities in China with LFP batteries and they are generally safer, which the Chinese government likes. They locally source the batteries and materials, which makes it easy and inexpensive as well.
Model 3 RWD With LFP
A Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries will charge faster, can charge to 100%, and will likely have a longer battery life. Sandy Munro says that the LFP batteries work just fine.
Getting LFP is a decision you make based on needs and parameters. Do you want to charge fast? Do you mind accelerating a little slower? Do you mind a little less range overall? Do you want to pay a little less or a little more? Do you want a battery that's a little safer? These are the things that matter.
The Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries has the following specs:
* Prismatic form factor
* 272 miles of range - and can charge to 100%
* 0 to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds (up from 5.2 from the previous battery type)
* Base price of around $45,000
* Ability to charge to 100%
* A little faster charge speed
* Very efficient usage of energy
I have a Model 3 RWD on order without FSD and plan on writing about this vehicle after delivery and sharing my experience with it. I feel like it's a good purchase and if I want to keep the vehicle for a lifetime, I should get 20 to 30 years of very good usage out of it.
Are the LFP batteries worth it to you? Would you get a Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries?
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Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News.
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Comments
Actually Tesla does not
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Actually Tesla does not produce any LFP batteries. But in the same way that Tesla teamed together with Panasonic to produce 18650 and 2170 batteries, they have partnered with CATL and others to produce LFP batteries for their entry model 3 and Y in China, and the base Model 3 in the U.S. LFP batteries do offer some advantages over NCA/NMC batteries. The biggest one being cost. But also they don't use cobalt or nickel. And they can be charged from 0-100% without significant degradation or chance of fire. But LFP batteries have lower energy density. Which means less power for a given weight or size. Or bigger, heavier battery packs for the same power provided. And LFP batteries have worse cold weather performance. China has had exclusive patents for LFP batteries for years now, but many of those patents are expiring this year. Tesla's 4680 battery development was created for vertical integration. But specifically it was designed a built so that Tesla would not be subject to future price and supply controls issued by Asian battery manufacturers, who control the market today. The shortfalls in chip and material supplies that have crippled the auto industry show how vulnerable they are to outside suppliers and vendors. It will be a year or two until the big Tesla 4680 battery factories in Texas and Germany ramp up production to match Tesla's EV production needs. The 4680 batteries will be cheaper, easier, and cleaner for Tesla to build, and will provide higher energy density than their current 2170 batteries. Plus the Tesla 4680 batteries should have a longer lifespan that LFP batteries do today. I believe that Tesla's partners will soon start to build LFP batteries in 4680 size/format, which will facilitate Tesla having one structural battery case for all battery chemistries, simplifying EV production, and lowering cost.
I asked Elon for a model
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I asked Elon for a model three with lower range and lower cost for just driving to Costco and the grocery store in style. I am 70 + yo so will never go on long trips ever and will get a home charger. I think I need lfp batteries for my blue with white interior Tesla.
Does the base model Model Y
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Does the base model Model Y AWD with the 4680 battery (not long range) also have LFP type battery? I have a feeling it does. Looking at the model Y user guide there is a section addressing “High voltage” type batteries and mentioning LFP. Is there any way to know for sure?
Yes, all standard range Model
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In reply to Does the base model Model Y by Samuel Cohen (not verified)
Yes, all standard range Model 3 and Y as of last year use LFP worldwide, and that's great, they work very well in general.