Tesla has begun collaborating with one of the world’s most powerful automotive companies to launch electric car models in Europe with new batteries that reduce charging time.
Tesla has recently taken a new route for the Model Y in Europe and is already using BYD batteries for models produced at the Berlin gigafactory. As explained in other media, this novelty has resulted in a significant increase in loading speeds.
Until now CATL used to be the only supplier of LiFePO4 batteries (lithium iron phosphate battery) for the standard Model Y and Model 3 range but it seems that this recent change is giving these electric cars a great advantage.
For context, BYD batteries are developed and manufactured by the Chinese company with the same name. These are designed to be durable, efficient and safe, and use advanced technologies such as LiFePO4 batteries, which offer longer shelf life and thermal stability.
Its batteries are considered a fairly reliable and quality option in the energy and electric mobility market and Tesla did not want to miss the opportunity.
The world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers working together
The data published in the German forum Tesla Fahrer and Freunde show that the Model Y with the BYD blade battery maintains maximum loading speeds well above the CATL version.
Notebook Check also claims that Model Y owners with these new batteries were able to maintain maximum charging speeds of 172 kW until battery is 50% charged before derating.
“The Model Y with 62 kWh CATL battery, on the other hand, was unable to sustain charging speeds of 172 kW and slowed down almost immediately, gradually reaching 50 kW at the 90% mark”. said Notebook Check.
The battery pack has also been “subjected to other extreme test conditions, including being crushed, bent, heated in a 300°C oven, and 260% overloaded. None of these resulted in a fire or explosion,” says BYD.
As for its longevity, explain that the battery exceeds 1.2 million km after 3,000 charge/discharge cycles. They include a single charge range of 505 km and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
With all this, mention that the war is not yet won by BYD. Tesla is rumored to be talking to CATL about its next generation M3P phosphate batteries that will allow higher energy density and charging speeds —capable of offering a range of 700 km.