From 18650 and 21700 cells to large structural cells and LFP prismatic packs: how Tesla’s battery choices evolved and why technicians should know them.
MSG Equipment published an overview of Tesla’s battery strategy. The article argues that the company’s success comes less from inventing new cells than from pragmatically adapting available technology.
- Model S and Model X: cylindrical 18650 NCA cells supplied by Panasonic
- Model 3 and Model Y: 21700 cells with lower internal resistance (Panasonic and LG Energy Solution)
- A newer Model Y variant: large in-house cylindrical cells used as structural elements of the body
- Some Model 3 and Model Y versions: LFP prismatic batteries from CATL
Owners do not strictly need this knowledge, but technicians repairing EVs do. MSG Equipment’s training center offers online courses on Tesla diagnostics using the LOKI scanner and the MS800 battery tester.