Like most electric vehicle (EV) batteries, Tesla batteries are not exactly one-size-fits-all. Over its decade-plus of EV manufacturing, Tesla has relied on four main types of batteries. It’s a similar situation with other car manufacturers and their EV lineups. Simply put, different vehicle types (or, in this case, Tesla models) will require different batteries. An electric SUV or a truck will have distinct needs for its power source compared to an electric convertible or sedan. Tesla is no exception to this. But which batteries is Tesla using in each model today? Let’s go over each of the four below.
Types of Tesla Batteries
Tesla has four main types of batteries across their full line of EVs: the 18650-type, 2170-type, 4680-type, and the prismatic-type. In the company’s nearly 20-year history, only these four battery types have ever been used. (This includes the now-defunct Roadster, which ceased production in 2012, as well as the Cybertruck, which just began shipping toward the end of 2023.)
Quick Facts
- Year Founded
- 2003
- Founders
- Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning
- Industry
- Electric Vehicles
- Headquarter
- Austin, Texas
- Key People
- Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, Elon Musk
- Notable Products
- Roadster, Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y
- Website
- https://www.tesla.com/
Each battery has its own unique manufacturer. No one company has ever had the honor of manufacturing all four battery types for Tesla cars. This isn’t as big of a deal as it sounds, though. You see, even for someone as committed to total control as Elon Musk, the actual manufacturer of the battery matters less than what the actual battery can do for the EV itself.
How Big Is a Tesla Battery?
While the specifics of the prismatic-type battery are not fully known at this time, we do know a good bit of information about the 18650-type, 2170-type, and 4680-type batteries. Let’s look at their specific lengths, diameters, and weights.
Tesla Battery Type | Length (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
---|---|---|
18650 Type | 65mm | 18mm |
2170-Type | 70mm | 21mm |
4680-Type | 80mm | 46mm |
Tesla Battery Type | Weight (g) | Supplier |
---|---|---|
18650 Type | 47g | Panasonic |
2170-Type | 68g | Panasonic |
4680-Type | 355g | Tesla |
Roadster
Equipped with the 18650-type, the Roadster could last up to 244 miles on a single charge. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within 3.8 seconds. The 18650-type helped the Roadster achieve a max speed of 125 mph. It had an average efficiency of 88% and an MPGe of 120.
Roadster Battery Type | 18650 |
Roadster Battery Size | 65mm x 18mm |
Roadster Battery Weight | 47g |
Roadster Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
Roadster Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Roadster Battery mAh | 3,500 mAh |
Model S
Also equipped with the 18650-type, Tesla’s Model S is the manufacturer’s flagship model. The car uses thousands of 18650 battery cells, giving it a maximum range of 405 miles on one charge alone. (That makes it Tesla’s longest-range vehicle, for those keeping track at home.) Tesla claims the Model S can go 0 to 60 mph in 0.1 seconds, but that’s in a vacuum. In reality, it’s much closer to 2.1 seconds. Its max speed is 216 miles per hour, more than 90 mph than the Roadster. The peak efficiency is 94%, and its MPGe is — like the Roadster — 120.
Model S Battery Type | 18650 |
Model S Battery Size | 65mm x 18mm |
Model S Battery Weight | 47g |
Model S Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
Model S Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Model S Battery Ah | 150 Ah |
Model 3
The Model 3, Tesla’s compact sedan, was the first model to receive the 2170-type Tesla battery. Introduced in the summer of 2017, the Model 3’s new-and-improved max mAh per cell gives it a maximum range of 358 miles per charge. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, hits a max speed of 162 miles per hour, boasts a peak efficiency of 93%, and an MPGe of 132. That means the Model 3 is Tesla’s most efficient vehicle to date, even if its 0-to-60 and its max distance per charge pales in comparison to other models. (The entry-level Model 3 uses the prismatic type.)
Model 3 Battery Type | 2170 |
Model 3 Battery Size | 70mm x 21mm |
Model 3 Battery Weight | 68g |
Model 3 Battery Chemistry | Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide |
Model 3 Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Model 3 Battery mAh | 4,800 mAh per cell |
Model X
The last model to be equipped with the 18650-type is the Model X. Tesla’s mid-size luxury crossover model was first introduced in 2015 and has a maximum range of 348 miles per charge. (That’s significantly more than the Roadster but markedly less than the Model S.) The Model X’s arsenal of 18650s allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Its max speed is 163 miles per hour, its peak efficiency is 93%, and its MPGe tops out at 105.
Model X Battery Type | 18650 |
Model X Battery Size | 65mm x 18mm |
Model X Battery Weight | 47g |
Model X Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
Model X Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Model X Battery mAh | 3,500 mAh per cell |
Model Y
Released in 2020, the Tesla Model Y is the manufacturer’s latest compact crossover offering. Consisting of 75% of the same parts as the Model 3, the Model Y also functions as a smaller and more affordable take on the Tesla Model X. With its 2170-type battery pushed to the limit, the Model Y delivers 318 miles on one charge alone. It can also reach 0-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a max speed of 155 mph. The Model Y’s peak efficiency is a whopping 97%, with an MPGe of 125. (Texas-made Model Ys receive 4680-types, while entry-level Model Ys receive prismatic batteries.)
Model Y Battery Type | 2170 |
Model Y Battery Size | 70mm x 21mm |
Model Y Battery Weight | 68g |
Model Y Battery Chemistry | Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide |
Model Y Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Model Y Battery mAh | 4,800 mAh per cell |
Cybertruck
The latest Tesla model to join the roster, the Cybertruck first started rolling out in December 2023. (This was after years of waiting and delays, mind you.) Currently, there are three different versions available: the three-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), also known as the Cyberbeast, as well as a dual-motor AWD model, and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) model. Equipped with the 4680-type battery, it has a range of anywhere from 250 to 340 miles per charge (depending on the model). Its top speeds reach 130 miles per hour, and its 0-to-60 mph can be as fast as 2.6 seconds.
Cybertruck Battery Type | 4680 |
Cybertruck Battery Size | 80mm x 46mm |
Cybertruck Battery Weight | 355g |
Cybertruck Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
Cybertruck Battery Voltage | 2.5V (low) 3.7V (nominal) 4.2V (maximum) |
Cybertruck Battery Ah | 150 Ah per cell |
Tesla Battery Size by Model
18650-Type | 2170-Type | |
---|---|---|
Roadster | ✓ | |
Model S | ✓ | |
Model 3 | ✓ | |
Model X | ✓ | |
Model Y | ✓ | |
Cybertruck |
4680-Type | Prismatic-Type | |
---|---|---|
Roadster | ||
Model S | ||
Model 3 | ✓ (Entry-Level Model) | |
Model X | ||
Model Y | ✓ (Texas-Made) | ✓ (Entry-Level Model) |
Cybertruck | ✓ |
Chemistry of Tesla Batteries
Though their names might differ, one thing is true of all these Tesla batteries: The battery chemistry is always some form of lithium, regardless of model. That said, there are a variety of different (and ever-evolving) chemistries that set these Tesla battery types apart beyond the use of lithium. For one, Tesla EVs currently rely on three different types of cathodes: NCA (or nickel-cobalt-aluminum), NCM (or nickel-cobalt-manganese), and LFP (or lithium-iron-phosphate).
NCA and NCM are good for high energy density and long-range charges, while the LFP is good for its lower costs and increased stability. Tesla’s goal is to lean more toward the LFP cathode going forward. This has everything to do with the expected increase in demand for cobalt on the horizon — not to mention the negative impact these NCAs and NCMs have had on Tesla’s reputation in the past. (Tesla EVs are infamously known for catching on fire and spontaneously combusting due to immense heat from the batteries.)
Why Does Tesla Use Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Tesla uses lithium-ion batteries in its cars for a few reasons. The most important factor is that they have a high energy density and can store larger amounts of energy relative to their size. This makes them a more efficient option and means that the Tesla cars can achieve a longer driving range.
Lithium-ion batteries are also fast-charging, making them suitable for EVs so that drivers can quickly recharge their cars and be on their way again, especially when the batteries are combined with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
What’s more, lithium-ion batteries have a long cycle life. This means that they withstand many charge and discharge cycles without suffering from a significant decrease in performance. Broadly speaking, the chemistry has simply worked best for the company over the years.
Which of These Types of Tesla Batteries Is Best?
Each type of Tesla battery has its unique pros and cons. However, when stacked up against one another, it’s clear that one battery outperforms all the others by a significant margin. That battery? The 2170-type in the Tesla Model 3 and certain Model Ys. Whether it be its high mAh or its superior maximum range, its rapid 0-to-60, or its breakneck max speed of 162 mph, the 2170-type helps elevate Teslas to a whole other level in comparison to the other models on the market.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Grigvovan/Shutterstock.com.