The first Tesla Model with BYD’s bladed LFP battery was produced at the Berlin Gigafactory.
This is an unusual combination because the car is based in the United States, has a Chinese battery, and was manufactured in Germany. So, how did this collaboration come to be? The situation was explained in a CarNewsChina article.
Tesla’s Coalition
According to blog, BYD and Tesla have never worked together officially. Both companies are arch-rivals and the world’s largest NEV (New Energy Vehicle, which includes PHEVs, EREVs, and BEVs) producers.
BYD competed with Tesla in many overseas markets in addition to their fierce battle for the lion’s share of the EV market in China.
According to recent reports, BYD has become a supplier to Tesla for bladed LFP battery packs. Blade batteries are manufactured by FinDreams, a BYD subsidiary.
Gigafactory German plant began producing the Model Y with BYD’s LFP Blade battery on May 4, according to German media. As a result, the first Model Y powered by BYD has been produced.
On May 20, 16 days after production was confirmed, BYD released the Model Y with the LFP battery. The EV is a prototype, with entry-level cars featuring 55 kWh LFP batteries with a range of 440 km.
In China, the entry-level Model Y has a 60 kWh CATL battery with a range of 455 kilometers.
Some interesting statistics about the new product were shared by German testers. The Model Y powered by BYD can maintain 170-kW charging power.
It can charge from 11% to 71% in 15 minutes, which is significantly faster than its conventional battery pack counterpart.
Furthermore, LFP batteries lose charging power after 50% charge, whereas CATL batteries lose charge much faster.
Furthermore, the BYD-powered Model Y charges faster than the CATL variant. It is unclear when or if the BYD-powered Teslas will be available for purchase. However, with its partnership with BYD, Tesla intends to strengthen its position in the EV market even further.
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