On May 4th, according to the German media Teslamag, Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin has started production of the base version of the Model Y with BYD batteries. This is the first time Tesla has used Chinese brand batteries, and also the first electric vehicle with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries that Tesla has launched in the European market.
It is reported that this base version of Model Y uses BYD’s blade battery technology, with a battery capacity of 55 kilowatt-hours and a range of 440 km (273 miles). In comparison, the base version of Model Y exported from China’s Shanghai factory to Europe uses CATL’s LFP battery with a battery capacity of 60 kilowatt-hours and a range of 455 km (about 283 miles). The main difference between the two is that BYD’s blade battery has higher safety and energy density, and can be directly installed in the vehicle structure, reducing 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 body strength and stability. 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. The base version of the Model Y with BYD batteries may be launched within a month. This also means that Tesla will offer more choices and price ranges in the European market to attract more consumers.
The report said that Tesla has no plans to use BYD batteries in the Chinese market for the time being 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.
