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.

Outlines

00:00

🔋 Tesla Battery Degradation Analysis

This paragraph introduces a comprehensive analysis of Tesla battery degradation, covering various models including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The data was collected using Tesla's API, which may have some accuracy issues but is still considered valid for trend analysis. The script discusses the battery composition, with Tesla using larger cells in newer models, and how these batteries degrade over time. The focus is on the Model 3 Long Range, noting a significant drop in battery capacity by 50,000 miles, with a further decrease by 100,000 miles. The paragraph also highlights variations in degradation rates between batteries manufactured in different locations and years.

05:01

📉 Battery Performance Trends in Tesla Models

The second paragraph delves into the performance trends of Tesla batteries, particularly focusing on the Model 3 Standard Range and noting a minimal capacity drop even at high mileages. It then contrasts this with the Model S and Model X, where a significant degradation is observed, especially in the Performance models. The analysis also touches on the Model Y, which shows similar degradation patterns to the Model 3. The paragraph concludes with a look at the original Model S 85D and 90D, highlighting the difference in degradation between two distinct groups of batteries, possibly due to the 'Battery Gate' or replacement batteries.

10:02

🚗 Impact of Usage and Model on Battery Degradation

In the final paragraph, the script examines the degradation of the 75D battery, which shows remarkably flat degradation even at 100,000 miles. It also discusses the 100D and P100D models, noting that these batteries do not seem to have reached their intended capacity and degrade more significantly, especially in high-performance models. The summary suggests that the largest batteries in the most powerful cars degrade the most, likely due to the increased stress on the battery. The script concludes by emphasizing that most battery degradation occurs early on and levels off later, with the biggest batteries in performance models showing the most significant degradation.

Keywords

💡Battery degradation

Battery degradation refers to the decline in a battery's capacity to hold a charge over time due to usage and aging. In the context of the video, it is the main theme, exploring how Tesla's various models experience this decline. The script discusses the percentage drop in kilowatt-hours for different models, such as a 6.5% drop for Model 3 batteries at 50,000 miles.

💡Tesla API

The Tesla API is an application programming interface that allows for the retrieval of data from Tesla vehicles. The script mentions that the data on battery degradation was collected using the API, but also notes potential issues with absolute accuracy due to factors like battery management system calibration.

💡Battery cells

Battery cells are the individual energy-storing units that, when combined, form a battery pack. The script explains that Tesla batteries are made up of many cells, with different models using different cell sizes, and how these cells degrade over time.

💡Battery pack

A battery pack is the complete assembly of battery cells that powers an electric vehicle. The script describes how the battery packs in Tesla cars are generally located in the floor of the car and, in some cases, serve as a structural component.

💡Model 3 Long Range

Model 3 Long Range is a specific variant of Tesla's Model 3 with a larger battery capacity, intended for longer distances between charges. The script provides data on the battery degradation of this model, noting a drop to about 69 kW hours by 50,000 miles.

💡Battery capacity

Battery capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The script discusses the battery capacity of various Tesla models and how it diminishes as the car ages and accumulates mileage.

💡Manufacturing variance

Manufacturing variance refers to differences in production processes or materials that can affect product quality or performance. The script identifies variances in battery degradation between batteries made in China and those made in Fremont, with the latter showing more degradation.

💡Standard Range cars

Standard Range cars are Tesla models with a smaller battery capacity designed for shorter distances between charges. The script compares the battery degradation of these models to their Long Range counterparts, showing different rates of capacity loss.

💡LFP batteries

LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, a type of battery chemistry known for its stability and longevity. The script mentions the introduction of LFP batteries in some Tesla models, which seem to exhibit lower degradation rates.

💡Model S and Model X

Model S and Model X are two of Tesla's luxury electric vehicle models, with the latter being an SUV. The script discusses the battery degradation of these models post-facelift in 2021, noting a significant drop in battery capacity at 50,000 miles.

💡Battery gate

Battery gate refers to a controversy or issue related to a car's battery performance not meeting expectations. The script mentions the original Model S 85D, which had two distinct cohorts of battery performance, possibly due to battery gate or replacement batteries.

Highlights

Tesla's battery degradation analysis covers various models, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.

Data collected from thousands of cars and data points, with acknowledgment of potential inaccuracies due to API usage.

Tesla's battery cells have evolved, with Model S and Model X still using the older size cells.

Model 3 long-range batteries showed an average 6.5% capacity drop by 50,000 miles and 9.5% by 100,000 miles.

2020 Model 3 batteries exhibit similar degradation patterns to earlier models.

2022 Model 3 batteries show two distinct cohorts with different degradation rates, possibly due to different battery manufacturers.

China-built LG Chem batteries in Model 3 show less degradation compared to Fremont-built Panasonic batteries.

Standard range cars show minimal battery capacity drop, with some maintaining over 90% capacity even at 120,000 miles.

2021 and 2022 standard range batteries introduce LFP chemistry with low degradation rates.

Performance models show a wide variance in battery capacity, possibly due to the use of the same batteries as long-range models.

Model Y long-range batteries show similar degradation patterns to Model 3, with early steeper degradation leveling off.

Model S and Model X from 2021 show significant degradation, especially the Plaid variant with an 11% drop at 50,000 miles.

Original Model S 85D shows two distinct battery cohorts, possibly due to battery gate or replacement batteries.

Model 90D batteries maintain a reasonable amount of capacity even after significant mileage.

Model 75D batteries show remarkably flat degradation, maintaining over 90% capacity even at 100,000 miles.

100D and P100D batteries do not reach the advertised capacity and show continued degradation beyond 50,000 miles.

The largest and most powerful batteries in Tesla cars tend to degrade more, likely due to the stress from high-performance demands.

Degradation patterns suggest that most capacity loss occurs early in the battery's life, with a leveling off later on.

Transcripts

welcome to Tesla info and today we're

going to look at battery degradation

taking the data we've collected from

thousands of cars and thousands and

thousands of data points we'll add some

bookmarks to the video so you can jump

to the cars you're interested in and

we're going to cover model 3 Model y

Model S model X and even some of the

older cars later on in the video it's

worth noting that we've taken the data

using the API and there are some issues

with that in terms of absolute accuracy

and whether the car BMS is calibrated or

the cells are balanced however we feel

that you know even though there might be

some absolute accuracies on every single

point the trend is still valid and we

can see sort of what's going on over

time so your batteries made up of lots

and lots of cells and Tesla make bigger

cells now than they used to or two

different sizes Model S and model X

still use the older size these are

combined together to create modules and

the modules are combined together to

make a battery pack which sits generally

in the floor of the car and in some

cases is starting to become a Str a

structural component of the car the

first battery we're going to look at is

a model 3 long range and part of the

thing with Tesla is the battery has

actually changed over the years

including uh by factoring so we're just

going to focus on 2018 to start with

these batteries started with with around

74 KW hours as we can see and by 50,000

mil miles most of the cars are reporting

on average a drop to about 69 kwatt

hours so that's around a 6 and 1 12%

drop by the time it's got to 100,000 mil

that drop has only gone down to uh 67 KW

hours so a 9.5 kwatt hour drop and a lot

of people say that the car batteries

actually lose most of their uh

degradation happens in the first part of

its life if we now take a look at cars

built in 2020

um we get pretty much exactly the same

results what we see is the batteries

start around 74 KW hours by the time

they've hit around 50,000 Mi it's

dropped to 69 KW hours so the first

chunk of the depreciation has occurred

and by the time it's hit 100,000

miles it's last a couple more kilowatt

hours but it's you know really started

to level off as we can

see to 2022 however we do start to see a

diversion of the data and there aren't

thousands of data points here so you

know up to a point we need to be mindful

of what we're looking at what we have

however detected looking at this data is

there seems to be two different cohorts

of batteries some which have depreciated

more than others some have dropped to

about 73 While others only dropped to 76

kilowatt hours and by 100 Kil 100,000

miles is down to 70 and 74 and when we

go and start looking at the uh models

and where they've been built it seems

that the China built LG Chen batteries

have only dropping have only dropped

about 6% whereas the Freemont Panasonic

batteries are down by

11% we can't we find that quite a

significant variation certainly

something that you deserves more looking

into

really if we switch to the standard

range cars then we can see even more

sort of like different cohorts of

batteries uh linked to different years

so we're just going to start with the

early 2019 batteries

first now there's quite a wide scatter

on the data points here quite a big

range from car to car um which is you

know goes back to the point we made

about you know the accuracy using the

data but what we actually see is after

there's you know only a 4% drop in the

battery capacity by 50,000 miles there's

virally no degradation that you can you

can talk of you know even cars up to

120,000 MI are still you know recording

44 you know kilowatt hours and certainly

by 100,000 it's still up around the 46

kwatt

Mark if we now jump to a later year so

this time we're going to take a look at

20121 um again we see the two different

Co cohorts of data um but actually both

cohorts are reasonably good and you know

the 53 kilowatt is ones 10 to drop to 51

by 50,000 Mi the 57 to 56 and the the

higher range is actually the

introduction of the lfp batteries that

we see um initially from the China

Factory either way both these batteries

seem to Fair really well um with pretty

low degradation at 50,000

mil so what we'll do now is we'll switch

to 2022 and we'll take a look at what

that data looks like and it's pretty

good it tends to start around 60

61 um it does drop about 5% to 58 kwatt

hours by 50,000 mil we haven't got any

data at 100,000 miles um and even if we

look at the 2023 batteries so these cars

have been worked pretty hard again it's

looking like it's losing about 5%

initially and then it seems to sort of

pretty much Plateau at that sort of

level um going

forwards

we we've also gone and had a look at the

performance models and we've actually

got the three and wide performance

models here and when you actually filter

down and have a look at individual year

um we're seeing a massive spread in the

um the capacity of these batteries we've

put up the long range in the top right

hand corner to to sort of compare um and

it's um it's really hard to draw any

conclusions that there was a 6 s

kilowatt hour spread between one car and

another um you know if you go back to

the 2020 values which we're seeing here

uh some are down as low as 62 KW hours

some are up still up at 72 K hours

that's a 10 K

spread what is probably worth noting

about the performance batteries is they

use the same us batteries usually the

bt42 battery which we saw earlier as

being worse than the LG chm

batteries we're now just going to have a

quick look at the model y um battery the

long range to start with um going back

and filtering and comparing it with the

model 3 long range and and in reality

we're getting very very similar results

as you pretty much expect there doesn't

seem to be anything about the the model

y long range which is causing to have

significantly different results to the

uh model 3 equivalent um which I think

is probably good news probably the most

noticeable thing we can see is the fact

on things like the 2022 model

the early degradation seems to be a

little steeper initially or quicker than

the model 3 equivalent um but it seems

to level off at the same level okay

we're now going to take a look at the

model S and model X fa lift from around

2021 and actually that's not good it's

overall it's an 11% drop at 50,000

miles if we split those results now

between the long range and the pled um

we'll see the long range on the the

model X at least um it seems to be

leveling off around 50,000 Mi at around

90 kwatt hours whereas if we switch to

the plade uh it seems to just keep going

down um you know 12% down at 50,000 Mi

and even the ones at 60,000

mil they're down to sort of 85 kilowatt

hours it's almost 15% down which is a

worry that said of course it's worth

remembering that these are pretty small

data sets you know there aren't that

many data points there but you know you

can see a definite Trend that's that's

heading downwards and it's probably a

reflection on the harder life the

battery has to do um in a played car

we're now going to step back in time a

little and look at the original model S

85d and for those who remember this was

the battery gate car um and there seems

to be two cohorts here um there's some

cars that still seem to hang on to 71

kwh hours of battery which is actually

pretty good cuz these only had 7677 to

start with and then there's a chunk that

seem to be down to 61 kwatt hours um

don't know whether this is battery gate

whether this is replacement batteries

who knows but there seems to be a marked

difference between two different uh two

different batteries going on

here the next battery we're going to

have a look at is the

90d and almost exactly the same thing's

Happening Here there are two cohorts of

batteries um a lot are holding on to the

high capacity of 73 KW there's a bunch

at 63 kwatts um now the 90d was

criticized originally for having a you

quite a fast early degradation but you

know at 50 or 100,000 miles it's still

holding on to you know a reasonable

amount more battery capacity than the

85d although not the 5 Kow hours you

might expect from the naming

convention

2 kwatt hours that's what five six miles

um it may made a difference between

getting to your destination or not I

think there's not a lot to choose

between the two and we'd be buying on

condition uh on cars they

sold next we're going to take a look at

the

75d um and this has been a quite a big

seller for Tesla over the years

primarily because it seems to be a good

price point um and it's remarkably flat

I mean it it it's never hit 75 kwatt

hours um it's always started around the

67 68 kwatt hour mark uh and we can see

some spous spurious data points up

around the 85 which we we presume are

actually replacement batteries um but

otherwise it is glacial the uh

degradation on these batteries once it

hits 50,000 mil it's down to 67 at

100,000 mil it seems to only drop to 66

kwatt hours on average which we think is

a remark arable uh feet really and a

very usable battery um for these

cars finally we're going to go back and

have a look at the 100 pack batteries in

the 100d and the

p100d pre the big facelift in around

21 um and none of these seem to have

reported battery capacity close to 100

kwatt hours other than you know in very

short bursts and we think these are

probably the replacement batteries um

which quickly degrade to around 92 93

kwatt hours or at least they report that

and at 50,000 Mi they're leveling out at

90 kwatt hours and In fairness to them

they don't lose an awful lot more over

the next 50,000 miles down to you know

an average of 88 kilowatt

hours but they seem to be a long way off

the the close to 100 kwatt hours that

they were originally meant to have and I

think this just reinforces the general

point about Tesla batteries most of the

degradation and certainly the reported

degradation using these sort of tools

happens pretty early on and that may

just be the way it's measured is part of

that you know Optimum temperatures and

so on May mean they never really uh

reveal their full capacity you know once

they're installed in the car and out in

the real

world and then the degradation actually

seems to level of quite a lot uh later

on the worst batteries seem to be the

biggest batteries and in the most

powerful cars and so you know I think

it's probably not rocket science to

assume that those batteries are under

more stress and certainly you know if

you if you launching a PL model at 2

seconds to 60 you can imagine that's

putting quite a strain on the battery

and that seems to uh be showing through

in the numbers anyway hope that's been

an interesting run through batteries and

what seems to be happening to them um

catch you next

time