Tesla Model 3 LFP and Model Y 4680 energy-dense batteries will begin mass manufacture by CATL

Photo Credit: Teslarati In order to provide more energy density at a comparable cost, the M3P technology switches out the iron in the standard Model 3's LFP battery for a combination of manganese and other metals. Moreover, CATL has begun producing its 4680-style cells, which have a higher density and longer lifespan than those found in Model Y. The largest EV battery manufacturer in the world, CATL, announced that this year it will launch cells that surpass the energy density of both its own LFP batteries in the Tesla Model 3 standard range and the 4680 cells in the Model Y, all at comparable production costs. Photo Credit: Not A Tesla App In comparison to conventional LFP cells, the M3P phosphate battery with additional manganese has a greater energy density for the same price and footprint. The energy density of CATL is "approximately 15% higher than that of lithium iron phosphate batteries, reaching 210 Wh/kg, and the cost is equivalent to that of LFP batteries" because it employs a combination of metals in place of iron. On the other hand, it has a cylindrical 4680-style battery with a higher energy density than the Tesla-installed cells in the Model Y version built in Texas. In a previous report, CATL claimed that the Qilin cell-to-pack battery technology enables volume utilization of up to 72%, which accounts for the majority of the rise in energy density to 255 Wh/kg. Even yet, CATL asserts that its cylindrical batteries have three times the lifespan of current models. In addition, the company is testing even larger 4695 cells, which could lead to greater volume utilization and energy density. The Zeekr 001, the first electric crossover with a structural Qilin pack with 4680-style cells, will go on sale in the third quarter with an extended range model that can travel 620 miles on a single charge. Photo Credit: Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturers BMW has also agreed to buy these high-performance cylindrical batteries, but CATL has not yet revealed who will purchase the M3P cells' low price. According to the most recent rumors, both the Model Y and the Model 3 will receive the M3P batteries because Tesla is a significant user of CATL's LFP ones. Also Read: Tesla Model Y delivery wait time in Europe increases; is this related to the price drop? It is unclear whether or when CATL's M3P technology will be incorporated into Tesla vehicles on this side of the pond given that Tesla just issued a warning in the US that the base Model 3 and Model Y may no longer qualify for the US$7,500 tax credit, most likely due to the fact that they use Chinese batteries.