With climate change in full effect and pressure from the public, more mainstream car manufacturers are gravitating towards electric vehicles by the day. Still, a few have been around for years in the industry, with Tesla being the most popular.
The extent of their R&D has allowed them to perfect their electric vehicles, even offering multiple battery options with several variants. If you’re looking to purchase an EV, choosing the appropriate one can have long-term impacts during the ownership of your vehicle. In light of that, here is everything you need to learn about Tesla battery technology: how to choose the right Tesla battery for your needs.
How To Decide on the Best Tesla Battery for Your EV?
Since the battery variants from Tesla are numerous, you can apply a few tips and make the job more convenient when booking your car online or through a showroom.
- Analyze your driving requirements: When choosing a battery, range anxiety is common among customers new to electric vehicles. You want a battery that allows you to reach your destination without giving a low battery warning in the middle of your trip.
Thus, choose a battery that suits your driving requirements. You may get away with a less expensive variant if you primarily go for city commutes. However, that can be a problem with an out-town-excursion. Thankfully, that is becoming less of a problem with newer Tesla cars. The company now also has a fully-functional Supercharger station infrastructure across most of the developed world.
- Consider your budget: You shouldn’t go for a more expensive battery if it doesn’t fit your budget. If you go anywhere above the Model 3, you’ll be making payments on your car for a while, and the federal government waivers don’t change with the battery type.
Moreover, consider that you’ll be stuck with the battery for a while. A typical Tesla battery can last well past ten years, and it will cost at least $12,000 to replace even the entry-level version.
- Test drive an EV: Most Tesla cars deliver their full torque at 0 rpm, which is why they have impressive acceleration numbers. There is also no clutch, and you need to drive from point A to B with just a single gear.
Therefore, driving an electric vehicle is very different from a gas-powered one. If you’re new to the trend, it is best to test drive before making your purchase. The battery type also affects the weight and handling, so it is a great idea to buy one that you’re most comfortable with.
- Examine your weekly schedule: With the kind of range Tesla currently offers, you don’t need to plug in your car every evening. Still, it is good to have enough charge that will help you complete your trip without unnecessary stops.
Still, your car is at a standstill 90% of the time. A way to make that more efficient is to charge your vehicle when you know you won’t need it. You can keep the Tesla mobile app handy, telling you precisely how much range is left in your car. If there is a weekend trip coming up, it helps to charge your car as you’re packing your goods or out for dinner.
Types of Tesla Batteries Available with Each Trim
Now that you know how to select the correct battery for your needs, let’s take a look at the various models and the batteries that Tesla has to offer. All of them use the same lithium-ion electrolyte and structure, but the cathode material affects the range and performance.
Model 3
The entry-level version of Tesla, the Model 3, observes the maximum sales figures. You can equip it with a nickel-cadmium-aluminum (NCA), nickel-cadmium-manganese (NCM), or nickel-iron-phosphate (NFP) battery. NCA and NCM offer an increased range, but the NFP is the least expensive and only available as rear-wheel drive. The NCM has the best performance thanks to its high load stability and adaptive AWD system.
Model S
The Tesla Model S has an 1865-type battery that offers a decent range along with blistering acceleration figures. You can buy it as a Standard trim with 670 hp. For more power (up to 1020 hp), you can go for the Plaid frame with an extra motor for improved performance.
Model X
Tesla Model X has a similar configuration and battery options as the Model S, with the same Standard and Plaid powertrains. Although, you get a decreased range due to the crossover body instead of a lightweight sedan.
Model Y
The Model Y is Tesla’s take on the electric crossover SUV, with the most extended wheelbase and the greatest luggage capacity. It has two battery options: an NCM version with a 300-mile (483-Km) range and a classified 4680-type battery with 330 miles (531 Km) range. The surprising fact is that the latter trim can seat up to 7 people, although you might get a slower response with the push of the pedal.
Warranty With Tesla Batteries
Tesla sources its batteries from reliable manufacturers such as LG and Panasonic. So, you get an excellent warranty program that covers all manufacturing defects for 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 Km), whichever comes first. You can also claim a replacement from Tesla if your battery retains less than 70% of its initial capacity during that period.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does Tesla recycle old batteries?
Yes. Tesla has a robust battery recycling program. They change the electrolyte, electrodes, or any other part to make the battery usable again. So long as the outer covering is not damaged, you may find your replaced battery in another Tesla car driving along the road a few months later.
How heavy is a Tesla battery?
A Tesla battery can weigh between 1000 to 1700 pounds (453 to 771 Kg), depending on the type of battery, with the prismatic type being the lightest variant.
Can you use a Tesla battery to jump-start another vehicle?
No. Tesla has repeatedly warned that its batteries are unsuitable for jump-starting regular cars. The energy density is too high, and they draw a much higher magnitude of the current. A jump start can cause an electrical fire or can even result in an explosion in the worst-case scenario.
Short Summary
When choosing the most appropriate Tesla battery, you should consider your driving requirements carefully. It can cost a small fortune to replace it down the line, so it is best to do your research beforehand. We hope this guide on Tesla battery technology: how to choose the right Tesla battery for your needs, gives you the necessary insight.
References
