Tesla Plans to Use CATL Battery Instead of Its 4680 Battery for Model Y

CATL will sell Tesla its novel M3P battery technology, according to Notebook Check. It will be installed in Tesla Model Y vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2022. So Tesla is ditching their 4680 battery in favor of a CATL pack, but it's not the Qilin. Despite similarities to the improved LFP battery chemistry with manganese known as LMFP packs, CATL insists that its technology is unique and proprietary.

CATL M3P Battery Specifications

While CATL's exact M3P battery specifications are unknown, insider sources claim the cells have a higher energy density than LMFP batteries while providing comparable longevity and charging speed improvements.

The manufacturing costs of the M3P battery are comparable to those of the LFP chemistry. CATL classifies them as ternary lithium batteries of the phosphate chemistry system because they not only replace iron with manganese at times, but also include other metals such as zinc or aluminum. As a result, M3P batteries have an energy density that is approximately 15% higher than lithium iron phosphate batteries, reaching 210 Wh/kg, and the cost is comparable to LFP batteries.

Tesla Model Y Release Schedule in 2023

According to the report, CATL will ship its new M3P lithium-phosphate battery to Tesla in Q4 for a 72 kWh Model Y pack, and mass production will begin in the following quarter. As a result, the Model Y will be available with CATL's new M3P battery in early 2023. CATL's chief scientist stated during the announcement of the M3P battery technology that it will be aimed at vehicles with a range of 700 km (435 miles). That's more than the current Standard Range Model Y with a standard LFP battery offers. As the Model Y's cheapest version with the new M3P battery approaches release, it will be interesting to see if Tesla announces a longer range.

Tesla Y Supposedly Use 4680 Battery

According to Clean Technica, at the 2020 Battery Day event, Tesla announced a new, tab-less 4680 cell form factor that would increase energy density, maintain similar thermal characteristics to smaller cells, improve the power-to-weight ratio, streamline manufacturing, and lower cost.

Tesla did not reveal the updated Model Y's specifications at the Giga Texas opening ceremony, and all vehicles were given to Tesla employees at the time. According to the Battery Day presentation, the 4680 cells and structural battery pack design were expected to increase vehicle range by up to 54%, reduce vehicle weight, improve acceleration, and be less expensive and more sustainable to produce.

Tesla Utilizes 3rd Party Technology

According to a Medium article, Tesla demonstrated that it is not committed to its 4680. It wants to make its batteries not only so it can use cutting-edge technology. It is also because it allows them to earn higher margins than competitors through the sale of the car and its battery pack. So, if Elon's future plans for Tesla necessitated this extra cash, he couldn't use the M3P and would instead concentrate on ramping up 4680 production.

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