According to a report by German media outlet Teslamag, Tesla has begun producing the basic version of the Model Y with rear-wheel drive and BYD batteries at its super factory in Berlin, Germany. This marks the first time Tesla is using batteries from a Chinese brand and also the first electric vehicle in Europe to use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.
Battery technology for the Tesla Model Y
The basic version of the Model Y features BYD’s blade battery technology, with a battery capacity of 55 kWh and a range of 440 km. It is worth noting that the basic version of the Model Y exported from Tesla’s Shanghai factory to Europe uses LFP batteries from CATL, with a capacity of 60 kWh and a range of 455 km. The key difference between the two is that BYD’s blade batteries offer higher safety and energy density, and they allow for direct installation into the vehicle body structure, which reduces both weight and cost.
Tesla’s German factory also uses innovative casting technology to cast the front and rear frames of the Model Y into a single unit, which improves the strength and stability of the body. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called this technology a revolution in the automotive manufacturing industry.
Currently, Tesla’s German factory has produced the Performance and Long Range versions of the Model Y, with the BYD-battery-equipped basic version expected to be rolled out in about a month. This also means that Tesla will offer more options and price ranges in the European market to attract more consumers.
The report states that Tesla currently has no plans to use BYD batteries in the Chinese market and still mainly relies on CATL and LG Chem as battery suppliers. However, as Tesla expands its production capacity and sales globally, it may establish relationships with more partners in the future to ensure the stability and diversity of battery supply.
