Tesla's LFP Batteries - An Important Development in Battery Technology
Tesla's LFP Batteries - An Important Development in Battery Technology
Tesla has been making LFP batteries in China for a while, and with the recent change to the 2022 Model 3 RWD (base model), which we saw some range tests on, they are now getting much more attention. Are they close to the 4680 batteries?
The LFP battery is just a different chemistry and way of making a battery containing more iron. They are popular with the Chinese and a little heavier than the Lithium-ion battery. The 2170s or 4680s that are a pouch that comes from the Korean and Chinese companies. These batteries should last 1 million miles now. The LFP batteries should last longer.
They are different in that they last longer and they also don't have as much charge or as much "oomph" as Sandy Munro likes to call it. If you want major performance and a super long range, then the LFP may not be the battery you want. You may want to wait for the 4680 batteries or another battery advancement for that. There is less of a risk with the LFP batteries catching fire as well.
Uses of the LFP Battery
Could you make a Model S Plaid with LFP? Sandy says you would be foolish to go with LFP batteries for the Plaid. They are not the right fit for a high octane performance vehicle. They just won't give you the speed and performance that the lithium-ion batteries can give you. The Plaid is all about "oomph" - speed and performance. Not lifetime of the battery or range - though the Plaid does have a lot of range.
You can charge the LFP batteries to 100% - why is that? You can take your standard batteries and charge them to 100% it will just take a while. With LFP, it takes less time to bring them to 100% charge. If you are looking at a speed limit, you may get there sooner with an LFP. But if you want to accelerate and move fast, LFP may not be what you want.
Tesla has made LFP batteries in China and not the U.S. Why is that? The Chinese generally like to go less fast than Americans, that is one reason. There are also a lot of separate manufacturing facilities in China with LFP batteries and they are generally safer, which the Chinese government likes. They locally source the batteries and materials, which makes it easy and inexpensive as well.
Model 3 RWD With LFP
A Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries will charge faster, can charge to 100%, and will likely have a longer battery life. Sandy Munro says that the LFP batteries work just fine.
Getting LFP is a decision you make based on needs and parameters. Do you want to charge fast? Do you mind accelerating a little slower? Do you mind a little less range overall? Do you want to pay a little less or a little more? Do you want a battery that's a little safer? These are the things that matter.
The Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries has the following specs:
* Prismatic form factor
* 272 miles of range - and can charge to 100%
* 0 to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds (up from 5.2 from the previous battery type)
* Base price of around $45,000
* Ability to charge to 100%
* A little faster charge speed
* Very efficient usage of energy
I have a Model 3 RWD on order without FSD and plan on writing about this vehicle after delivery and sharing my experience with it. I feel like it's a good purchase and if I want to keep the vehicle for a lifetime, I should get 20 to 30 years of very good usage out of it.
Are the LFP batteries worth it to you? Would you get a Model 3 RWD with LFP batteries?
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers.
Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News.