Tesla intends to unveil more capacious batteries for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the current year.
In a strategic move to enhance the capabilities of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China and Europe, Tesla is leveraging advancements in battery technology.
## Recent Updates and Strategies
Tesla has introduced new lithium-ion batteries for the Model Y and Model 3 in China, offering a significant boost in range and efficiency. The Model Y, in particular, now boasts a range of approximately 600 km for select versions, thanks to more efficient battery packs from suppliers like CATL or Panasonic.
Tesla is also developing a new Model 3+ variant in China, which combines a more efficient single-motor RWD setup with a higher-capacity NMC battery pack. This combination aims to achieve record ranges for an electric vehicle.
## Reasons for Limited Maximum Capacity
Despite these advancements, Tesla might not have pursued the maximum possible battery capacity for several reasons. Balancing technological advancements with maintaining competitive pricing in the market is one such reason. Increasing battery capacity can significantly raise production costs.
Tesla also focuses on optimising existing battery technology rather than simply increasing capacity. This approach allows for better efficiency and range without necessarily needing larger batteries.
Tesla monitors market demands and competitor offerings. If the current range meets consumer expectations and remains competitive, there might be less pressure to increase battery capacity further.
## Future Plans
A member of the German TFF forum has published information indicating that a new 5M battery pack with around 84 kilowatt-hours of net capacity is planned for the Model 3 and Model Y in China and Europe. This would represent a 5-kilowatt-hour increase over the previous generation.
The new batteries will continue to be supplied by LG Energy, a long-standing partner of Tesla.
The user eivissa from the TFF forum expects availability of the new battery before the end of the year, based on the timing of the type approval for the previous 5L battery.
Other manufacturers, especially from China, have shown that battery technology has advanced significantly, enabling more capacity and range in the same space. However, Tesla's strategy seems to focus on optimising existing technology for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, rather than solely on maximising capacity.
The new battery packs are expected to benefit Tesla customers in China and Europe, offering extended ranges and improved efficiency. For instance, the all-wheel-drive Model 3 version in Europe is expected to have a WLTP range of 660 kilometers, an increase of 31 kilometers. The Model Y in Europe is expected to offer an all-wheel-drive version with a WLTP range of 600 kilometers with 20-inch wheels, an increase of 32 kilometers.
For the long-range rear-wheel-drive Model 3 (LR RWD) in Europe, the expected WLTP range with the 5M battery is up to 750 kilometers, an increase of 50 kilometers. The performance version of the Model 3 in Europe is expected to have a WLTP range of 571 kilometers, an increase of 33 kilometers.
The Tesla Model Y in Australia is already offering a WLTP range of 600 kilometers, suggesting that the new battery is already in use there.
The Chinese Ministry of Industry has published a catalog for upcoming electric vehicles, with the Model Y L from Tesla being a notable feature due to its probable six seats and extended range.
These updates position Tesla to remain competitive in the electric vehicle market, offering extended ranges and improved efficiency while balancing costs and optimising existing technology.
- Tesla's strategic plans for the Model 3 and Model Y in China and Europe include the implementation of new lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to enhance the vehicles' ranges and efficiencies.
- In addition to China, Tesla is also introducing a new Model 3+ variant in this region, featuring a higher-capacity NMC battery pack for record ranges in electric vehicles.
- Tesla's decision not to pursue the maximum possible battery capacity is partly due to balancing technological advancements with maintaining price competitiveness in the finance industry and the automotive sector.
- Future plans for the Model 3 and Model Y in China and Europe involve the introduction of new 5M battery packs, supplied by LG Energy, offering extended ranges and improved efficiency for Tesla customers.
