Tesla has received approval in Europe to use a new battery pack based on LFP /LMFP “chemistry“ of CATL for its base Model 3 and Model Y models. The battery will replace earlier, low-range versions that have now been discontinued.
In addition, Tesla has patented its own formula with an increased proportion of iron, which will allow to increase the performance of the batteries and reduce the dependence on expensive materials such as nickel and cobalt. The company recently patented a cathode material containing iron phosphate and nickel oxide that increases battery efficiency.
Tesla recently discontinued the Model 3 and Model Y in the US with Chinese LFP batteries that do not qualify for tax credits under the IRA law, making the models significantly more expensive than the nickel-plated AWD options long range batteries.
Meanwhile in Europe, Tesla continues to use LFP batteries due to their lower cost despite their lower energy density. It is expected that the new iron-phosphate "chemistries" in batteries will be able to improve these indicators.
The battery pack "6M" of CATL for the base model 3 and model Y has a capacity of 62.5 kWh (the previous model was 60 kWh) and weighs 1 kg less than its predecessor. In models from 2025, this battery is expected to provide an increased range of up to 520 km on the WLTP cycle and a charging speed of up to 250 kW, which is equal to that of nickel batteries.