Tesla Battery Degradation - The results using real data and why the Plaid is the worst Tesla

Summary

This video explores Tesla's battery degradation across various models, including Model 3, Y, S, and X, using extensive data. It reveals that most battery capacity loss occurs early, with varying degradation rates depending on the model and battery type. The script notes significant differences between battery cohorts, particularly for performance models and larger batteries in powerful cars, suggesting that stress impacts longevity. The analysis provides insights into battery performance over time, helping viewers understand Tesla's battery life expectancy.

Takeaways

• 🔋 The Tesla battery degradation analysis is based on data collected from thousands of cars and data points, with a focus on models like the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
• 📊 The data used for analysis comes from the Tesla API, which may have some accuracy issues due to factors like battery management system calibration and cell balancing.
• 📉 Batteries in Model 3 long range cars from 2018 to 2020 show a consistent degradation pattern, with a drop from around 74 kWh to around 67 kWh by 100,000 miles, indicating a 9.5 kWh decrease.
• 🌐 In 2022, there's a divergence in battery performance, with some batteries showing more degradation than others, possibly due to differences in manufacturing locations and battery types.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese-built Model 3 and Model Y with LG Chem batteries show less degradation (around 6%) compared to those built in Fremont with Panasonic batteries (around 11%).
• 🚗 Standard range Teslas, especially from 2019 to 2021, show minimal battery capacity drop even after 100,000 miles, with some maintaining around 46 kWh.
• 🔬 Performance models show a wide variation in battery capacity, with some showing significant degradation, possibly due to the use of the same batteries as the long-range models.
• 📉 The Model S and Model X from 2021 show a significant drop in battery capacity, especially for the Plaid models, which could be due to the higher stress on the batteries in these high-performance cars.
• 🚀 Original Model S 85D and 90D batteries show two distinct cohorts, with some maintaining high capacity and others showing significant degradation, possibly due to battery gate or replacement batteries.
• 🛣️ The 75D model shows remarkably flat degradation, maintaining a stable capacity even after 100,000 miles, suggesting good battery health over time.
• 🔌 The 100D and P100D models, despite not reaching their advertised capacity, show a leveling off of degradation after 50,000 miles, suggesting a stabilization in battery performance.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is Tesla battery degradation, analyzing data collected from various Tesla car models over time.

Which Tesla models are covered in the video?

The video covers Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, including some older models.

What is the potential issue with the data collected using the API mentioned in the video?

The potential issue with the data collected using the API is the absolute accuracy, which may be affected by whether the car's Battery Management System (BMS) is calibrated or the cells are balanced.

How does the video address the concern about data accuracy?

The video acknowledges the potential inaccuracies but argues that the trends observed in the data are still valid and provide insights into battery performance over time.

What is the general location of the battery pack in a Tesla vehicle?

The battery pack in a Tesla vehicle is generally located in the floor of the car and, in some cases, serves as a structural component.

What is the observed battery capacity drop for Model 3 Long Range batteries by 50,000 miles?

By 50,000 miles, the Model 3 Long Range batteries on average drop to about 69 kWh, which is a 6.7% decrease from the starting capacity.

How does battery degradation differ between cars built in 2020 and those from 2022 according to the video?

The video shows that cars built in 2020 and 2022 have similar initial degradation patterns, but there seems to be a divergence in the data for 2022, with some batteries showing different rates of degradation possibly due to manufacturing differences or battery types.

What is the significance of the variation in battery degradation between different cohorts of batteries?

The variation in battery degradation between different cohorts indicates that factors such as manufacturing location, battery type, and year of production can significantly affect battery performance and longevity.

How does the video describe the degradation of Performance Model batteries?

The video describes a wide spread in the capacity of Performance Model batteries, with a significant difference in reported capacities even among cars of the same model and year.

What trend is observed in the degradation of Model S and Model X batteries from around 2021?

The trend observed for Model S and Model X batteries from around 2021 is a significant drop in capacity, with an 11% decrease at 50,000 miles, and a continued decline for the Plaid models.

What conclusion does the video draw about the relationship between battery size and degradation?

The video concludes that the largest batteries in the most powerful cars, such as the Performance Models, tend to degrade more quickly, possibly due to the increased stress on the batteries.