Tesla is already using cobalt-free LFP batteries in half of its new cars produced

Almost half of all Tesla cars released in the last quarter have lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries without cobalt. About this the company reported in the financial report for the first quarter of 2022.

Standard Range Model 3 and Model Y models made in China have already been transferred to LFP batteries. There are also plans to switch to a standard line of Model 3, known as the Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive, which is manufactured at the plant in Fremont, USA.

“Diversification of battery chemistries is critical for long-term capacity growth, to better optimize our products for their various use cases and expand our supplier base. This is why nearly half of Tesla vehicles produced in Q1 were equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, containing no nickel or cobalt.

Currently, LFP batteries are used in most of our standard range vehicle products, as well as commercial energy storage applications. As a result of our energy efficient motors, a Model 3 with an LFP battery pack can still achieve a 267-mile EPA range,” the report said.

Over the past few years, Elon Musk has repeatedly said that Tesla plans to switch more electric vehicles to LFP batteries to avoid problems with the supply of nickel and cobalt.

Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are traditionally cheaper and safer, but have less energy consumption, which reduces power reserve and makes electric cars less efficient. Recently, these batteries have improved enough for use in lower-end cars with low power reserve. It also frees up materials to produce more energy-intensive batteries for long-distance vehicles.