The price of Tesla smart batteries – are they really that profitable? Tesla S&X battery How many batteries are in a Tesla

We have partially reviewed the battery configuration Tesla Model S with a capacity of 85 kW*h. Let us remind you that the main element of the battery is the company’s lithium-ion battery cell Panasonic, 3400 mAh, 3.7 V.

Panasonic cell, size 18650

The figure shows a typical cell. In reality, Tesla cells are slightly modified.

Cell data parallel connect to groups of 74 pieces. With a parallel connection, the voltage of the group is equal to the voltage of each of the elements (4.2 V), and the capacity of the group is equal to the sum of the capacities of the elements (250 Ah).

Further six groups connect serially to the module. In this case, the module voltage is summed up from the group voltages and is approximately 25 V (4.2 V * 6 groups). The capacity remains 250 Ah. Finally, modules are connected in series to form a battery. In total, the battery contains 16 modules (total 96 groups). The voltage of all modules is summed up and ultimately amounts to 400 V (16 modules * 25 V).

The load for this battery is an asynchronous electric drive with a maximum power of 310 kW. Since P=U*I, in nominal mode at a voltage of 400 V, a current I=P/U=310000/400=775 A flows in the circuit. At first glance, it may seem that this is a crazy current for such a “battery”. However, do not forget that in a parallel connection, according to Kirchhoff’s first law, I=I1+I2+…In, where n is the number of parallel branches. In our case n=74. Because within the group internal resistances We consider the cells to be conditionally equal, then the currents in them will be the same. Accordingly, current flows directly through the cell In=I/n=775/74=10.5 A.

Is it a lot or a little? Good or bad? In order to answer these questions, let us turn to the discharge characteristics of a lithium-ion battery. American craftsmen, having disassembled the battery, conducted a series of tests. In particular, the figure shows voltage oscillograms during the discharge of a cell taken from a real Tesla Model S, currents: 1A, 3A, 10A.

The spike in the 10 A curve is due to manual switching of the load to 3 A. The author of the experiment solved another problem in parallel; we will not dwell on it.

As can be seen from the figure, a discharge current of 10 A fully satisfies the cell voltage requirements. This mode corresponds to the discharge along the 3C curve. It should be noted that we took the most critical case, when the engine power is maximum. In reality, taking into account the very use of a dual-motor drive with optimal gear ratio gearboxes, the car will operate with a discharge of 2...4 A (1C). Only in moments of very sharp acceleration, when driving uphill at high speed, can the cell current reach a peak of 12...14 A.

What other benefits does this provide? For a given load in case direct current the cross-section of the copper conductor can be selected as 2 mm2. Tesla Motors kills two birds with one stone here. All connecting conductors also serve as fuses. Accordingly, there is no need to use expensive system protection, additional use fuses. In the event of a current overload, the connecting conductors themselves melt due to their small cross-section and prevent an emergency. We wrote more about this.

In the figure, the 507 conductors are the same connectors.

Finally, let's consider the last question that worries the minds of our time and causes a wave of controversy. Why does Tesla use it? lithium ion batteries?

Let me make a reservation right away that specifically on this issue I will express my subjective opinion. You don't have to agree with him)

Let's carry out comparative analysis different types batteries.

Obviously, the lithium-ion battery has the highest specific performance today. The best battery in terms of energy density and weight/size ratio is, alas, still in mass production does not exist. That is why in Tesla It was possible to make such a balanced battery, providing a power reserve of up to 500 km.

The second reason, in my opinion, is marketing. Still, on average, the resource of such cells is about 500 charge-discharge cycles. This means that if you actively use the car, you will have to replace the battery after a maximum of two years. Although, the company really .

The Tesla battery is known throughout the world thanks to the company's breakthrough in the field of electric vehicles. The idea is not new and has been mastered by leading automobile companies for many years. However, American designers were able to optimize this area, taking into account the interests of the consumer. This was made possible to a large extent due to innovative energy supply systems focused on complete replacement familiar engines internal combustion. Let's look at the features and types of this drive.

Application

The development of fundamentally new types of li-ion batteries is driven by the goals of improving the performance of electric cars. In this regard, the base line of the Tesla S model is focused on providing vehicle innovative power sources. Feature lithium ion batteries was the introduction of a combined operating mode, in which alternating energy supply from the internal combustion engine and the battery is allowed. At the same time, the company’s engineers continue to develop machines that are completely independent of the usual type of fuel.

It is worth noting that engineers are not limited solely to creating power elements for road transport. Several versions of Tesla batteries have already been released for domestic and commercial use. If the option for an electric car is aimed at maintaining the operation of running gear and on-board electronics, then stationary storage modifications are positioned as autonomous sources of electricity. The capabilities of these elements allow them to be used for servicing home appliances. Additionally, research is underway on solar energy storage. The work is still at the development stage.

Device

Tesla batteries have a unique structure and method of placing active components. The main difference from the analogue is the lithium-ion configuration. Similar elements are used in the design of mobile devices and electrical tools. They were first used as batteries for cars by Tesla engineers. The entire unit is divided into 74 compartments, which look like AA batteries. Depending on the battery configuration, it includes from 6 to 16 segments. The positive charge comes from the graphite electrode, the negative charge is provided by several chemical components, including nickel, cobalt and aluminum oxide.

Tesla batteries are integrated into the car by fixing them to the bottom of the vehicle. This arrangement ensures a lower center of gravity of the electric vehicle, increasing handling. Special brackets are used as fasteners. Currently, there are not many such solutions, so this part is often compared with a traditional battery.

Important points relate to safety and placement method. The first factor is guaranteed by the highly durable housing in which the battery is mounted. In addition, each block is equipped with a fence in the form of metal plates. In this case, not the entire internal part is insulated, but each element separately. It should also be noted that there is a plastic lining that prevents water from getting inside.

1. Converter.
2. High voltage wiring.
3. Basic charging device.
4. Additional “charging”.
5. Connector
6. Module.

Characteristics of the Tesla battery

The most powerful battery variation for an electric car consists of 7104 small batteries. Below are the parameters of the specified element:

• Length/thickness/width – 2100/150/1500 mm.
• The electrical voltage indicator is 3.6 V.
• The amount of power generated by one section is identical to the potential of one hundred personal computers.
• The weight of Tesla batteries is 540 kg.
• The travel time on one charge on an average cell with a power of 85 kW/h is about 400 km.
• Speed ​​up to 100 km/h – 4.4 seconds.

Given the indicated characteristics, a reasonable question arises as to how durable these structures are, because high performance implies intense wear of the active parts. It should be noted that the manufacturer provides an eight-year warranty for its products. Most likely, the working life of the batteries in question will be the same.

So far, owners of electric cars cannot confirm or deny this fact. In addition, there are research results that indicate that the battery power parameter is characterized by its moderate loss. On average, this figure is about 5% per 80 thousand kilometers. There are other facts indicating that the owners of the specified vehicle are less and less likely to complain about problems in the battery compartment as new models are released.

Tesla battery capacity (model S)

It is necessary to evaluate the capacitance characteristics of batteries taking into account the development of production. Throughout the improvement of the line, the figure varied from 60 to 105 kW/h. Official information indicates that the peak battery capacity is around 100 kWh. As testimonials from owners indicate, the actual parameter will be slightly lower. For example, an 85 kW Tesla battery actually produces no more than 77 kW.

History also provides counter-examples confirming the excess of volume. There are known cases when a 100-kilowatt battery was endowed with a capacity of about 102 kW. From time to time, inconsistencies are discovered in the definition of active nutritional components. Mostly, discrepancies are observed in estimates of the number of block cells. This is due to the fact that the battery is constantly being modernized and improved, equipped with innovative elements.

The manufacturer claims that every year updated modifications undergo transformations into electronic parts, cooling system, architecture. The ultimate goal of designers is to achieve the highest possible quality characteristics products.

Power Wall version

As mentioned earlier, along with the production of Tesla car batteries, the company produces household versions of energy storage devices. One of the most productive and recent modifications was the lithium-ion version of the Power Wall. It is designed to generate energy as a constant source or is operated as a backup structure like an autonomous generator. The model is presented in several variations, differing in capacity and serving to perform certain energy tasks. The most popular versions are 7 and 10 kW/h units.

Regarding the operational parameters, it can be noted that the Power Wall has a power of 3.3 kW with an operating voltage of 350-450 watts, and a current of 9 A. The weight of the structure is 100 kilograms, therefore, there is no talk of its mobility. However, as an option, for example, for a summer cottage in the summer, the block is quite suitable. The unit is transported without problems, since the designers pay great attention to the mechanical protection of the body part. Certain disadvantages include a long battery charging period (12-18 hours), depending on the modification of the drive.

Model "Power Pack"

This system is based on previous version, however, it is oriented towards commercial purposes. This means that this Tesla battery is used to service businesses. It is an energy storage device that is scalable and provides increased system performance at the target site. It should be noted that the battery capacity is 100 kW, and the indicated capacity does not refer to the maximum value. Engineers have provided a flexible design for the aggregation of several installations with the ability to obtain values ​​from 500 kW to 10 MW.

Single modifications are also being upgraded in terms of operational quality. Official information has already been received about the appearance of the second generation of commercial batteries, in which the power parameter was 200 kW, and the efficiency was close to 99%. The specified energy storage device differs in technological indicators. To expand the volume, the developers used a reversible inverter.

This innovation made it possible to simultaneously increase the power and performance of the system. The company plans to develop and introduce Power Pack cells into the design of additional solar components such as Solar Roof. This approach allows the energy potential of the battery to be renewed not through special highways, but through free solar flow in a continuous mode.

Production capacity

According to the manufacturer itself, innovative batteries are manufactured at Tesla's own Gigafactory. The assembly procedure was organized with the participation of representatives of Panasonic (supply of components for block segments). The specified enterprise produces the latest designs of power systems aimed at the third generation of Model electric cars.

It is assumed that the total number of products produced at the maximum production cycle will be up to 35 GWh. It is worth emphasizing that the indicated volume is half of all parameters of batteries produced in the world. Current maintenance is carried out by a team of 6.5 thousand people. In the future, it is planned to create an additional 20 thousand jobs.

Among the features there is a high degree of protection against hacking of the battery. This mitigates the possible risks of filling the market with counterfeit variations. In addition, the production procedure itself involves the participation of high-precision robotic technology in the process. There is no doubt that at the present time only corporations of the Tesla level are capable of displaying all the technological production nuances. Most interested organizations do not need plagiarism, since they are intensively conducting their own development.

Price policy

The cost of a Tesla battery also constantly varies due to cheaper production technologies and due to the release of updated components with increased performance parameters. Two or three years ago, the type of storage device in question was sold for about 45 thousand dollars (about 3 million rubles). Now the blocks have a price of about five thousand dollars (330,000 rubles).

The cost of home analogues of the Power Wall configuration is approximately the same. The most expensive versions include a commercial battery. For example, the first generation of this device can be purchased for $20-25,000 (approximately 1,327,000 - 1,650,000 rubles).

Competing modifications

Tesla is not a monopolist in production li-ion batteries. Despite the fact that other brands are not so well known on the market, their parameters are quite competitive. Among the popular representatives:

• The Korean corporation LG produces Chem Resu drives, which are analogues of Tesla's PowerWall (a 6.5 kW/h system costs about 4 thousand dollars or 265,000 rubles).
• The product from Sunverge has a power range from 6 to 23 kW/h, and is distinguished by the ability to monitor charge and connect to solar panels (price is 10-20 thousand dollars or 665,000 - 1,327,000 rubles).
• ElectrIQ company sells household storage batteries with a capacity of 10 kW/h (together with the inverter, the product will cost $13,000 or 865,000 rubles).
• Among automobile competitors, companies such as Nissan and Mercedes stand out.

The first auto giant produces a series of XStorage type batteries (working volume - 4.2 kW/h). The nuances of this modification include high level environmental safety, fully compliant with international standards for the production of passenger cars. Mercedes produces compact versions of 2.5 kW/h. At the same time, they can be combined into larger productive systems with a capacity of 20 kW/h.

Peculiarities

Tesla electric car batteries and their household analogues are not very accessible to the mass consumer. With Power Wall systems the situation changes somewhat due to cheaper components. But the idea of ​​aggregation with blocks of solar panels cannot yet be successfully implemented due to high cost. Undoubtedly, the possibility of accumulating a free energy source is beneficial for consumers, but the purchase of such structures is beyond the means of most interested users.

The story is similar with other alternative drives, the principle of operation and use of which provides a lot of advantages, but requires the use of high-tech devices and devices.

Bottom line

In the market of batteries for electric cars, Tesla is the undisputed leader. This is largely due to the use of innovative equipment in the production of environmentally friendly transport. At the same time, engineers of a leading company face certain obstacles. For example, the Model S series with lithium-ion cells has been criticized for poor protection against fire of the power supply elements.

However, designers are constantly improving their models and take criticism constructively. For example, after the only battery fire in the history of electric vehicles, they began installing a hollow aluminum beam (to protect against obstacles on the road surface), a pressed aluminum shield, and a titanium plate. Everyone who bought cars before this improvement was offered to have them completed free of charge at service stations.

Tesla Motors is the creator of truly revolutionary eco-cars, which are not only mass-produced, but also have unique characteristics that allow them to be used literally every day. Today we will look inside the battery of the Tesla Model S electric car, find out how it works and reveal the magic of the success of this battery.

According to the North American Protection Agency environment(EPA), Model S requires one recharge of 85 kWh batteries to cover more than 400 km, which is the most significant indicator among similar cars presented on the specialized market. To accelerate to 100 km/h, the electric car only needs 4.4 seconds.

The key to the success of this model is the presence lithium ion batteries, the main components of which are supplied to Tesla by Panasonic. Tesla batteries are the stuff of legends. And so one of the owners of such a battery decided to violate its integrity and find out what it was like inside. By the way, the cost of such a battery is 45,000 USD.

The battery is located in the bottom, giving the Tesla a low center of gravity and excellent handling. It is attached to the body using brackets.

Tesla battery. Let's sort it out

The battery compartment is formed by 16 blocks, which are connected in parallel and protected from the environment by means of metal plates, as well as a plastic lining that prevents water from entering.

Before completely disassembling it, it was measured electrical voltage, which confirmed the working condition of the battery.

The battery assembly is distinguished by high density and precision fitting of parts. The entire picking process takes place in a completely sterile room using robots.

Each block consists of 74 elements, extremely similar in appearance to simple ones. AA batteries(Panasonic lithium-ion cells), divided into 6 groups. At the same time, it is almost impossible to find out the layout of their placement and operation - this is a big secret, which means that making a replica of this battery will be extremely difficult. We are unlikely to see a Chinese analogue of the Tesla Model S battery!

Graphite serves as the positive electrode, and nickel, cobalt and aluminum oxide serve as the negative electrode. .

The most powerful battery available (its volume is 85 kWh) consists of 7104 similar batteries. And it weighs about 540 kg, and its parameters are 210 cm in length, 150 cm in width and 15 cm in thickness. The amount of energy produced by just one unit of 16 is equal to the amount produced by a hundred laptop batteries.

When assembling their batteries, Tesla uses elements produced in various countries, such as India, China, Mexico, but the final modification and packaging are made in the United States. The company provides warranty service for its products for up to 8 years.

Thus, you learned what the Tesla Model S battery consists of and the principle of its operation. Thank you for your attention!

They are powered solely by electricity stored in batteries.

Since the start of Tesla production of its electric cars model range The Model S, and later the Model X, installed batteries with capacities ranging from 40 to 100 kWh, each consisting of 8, 12 or 16 sections.

Each section consists of small Panasonic AA batteries connected to each other, slightly larger in size than standard AA batteries. Tesla's cylindrical batteries have a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 65 mm. It is also worth noting that their advantage lies in durability, reliability and performance in harsh automotive conditions.

1 - Battery; 2 - Voltage converter (DC/DC); 3 - High voltage cable (orange); 4 - Main on-board charger 10 kW; 5 — Additional charger 10 kW (optional); 6 - Charging connector; 7 - Drive module;

Battery 40 kWh

The 40-kilowatt battery comes in two types: a 40-kilowatt battery with 8 sections (segments/cells) (based on the Toyota RAV4 EV battery), and a 60-kilowatt battery which had 12 cells and was programmed to charge up to 40 kilowatts .

Tesla Model S 40 kWh were not popular, so their production was soon completed.

Battery 60 kWh

The 60 kW battery consisted of 12 or 16 sections. The 12-cell battery was installed on the Model S40, the 16-cell battery was designated "NEW" and was radically modified.

Battery 70/75 kWh

In addition to the fact that this battery was installed on the Model S60 (S60D), it was also installed on the S70 (S70D) and S75 (S75D), but with
advanced features.

The 60 kWh battery for the 60th model was distinguished by the absence of 77 AA batteries, for the 70s Model S, all 16 sections were completely filled with batteries, thereby increasing the overall battery capacity.

Battery 85/90 kWh

The Tesla 85, 90 and 100 kWh battery consists of 16 sections. Each cell consists of 444 AA batteries and has its own BMS board, which controls the balancing of all cells.

The most popular battery supplied by Tesla (85 kWh) contains 7104 18650 batteries.

In 2015, Panasonic redesigned the anode, increasing battery capacity by approximately 6%, allowing battery packs to store up to 90 kW of energy. As a result, a 90-kilowatt battery differs from an 85-kilowatt battery not in capacity:

• firstly, the capacity of the Panasonic 18650 battery in an 85-kilowatt battery weighs 46 grams, in a 90-kilowatt battery the same battery weighs 48.5 grams;
• secondly, the current output in the 85th battery is 10C, in the 90th it is 25C (for this reason, the Ludicrous mode is only available on Teslas with a 90 and 100 kWh battery, since the technical capabilities allow the car to be given faster dynamics);

Battery 100 kWh

Tesla's most powerful battery. The battery internals have been reconfigured to accommodate 516 18650 batteries per module.

In total, 8,256 Panasonic batteries were placed in the 100-kilowatt battery, capable of storing just over 100 kWh of energy and allowing Tesla's electric cars to travel more than 500 kilometers.

This battery has a current output of 25C and represents the “state of the art” in battery engineering from Tesla.

And even this development and improvement does not stop. To further improve battery efficiency and reduce costs, Tesla built a large battery factory in Sparks, Nevada called Gigafactory 1.

The factory is producing a new battery design called the 2170. It has a diameter of 21mm and a height of 70mm, and was originally used in the Tesla Powerwall and Powerpack, as well as the new Tesla Model 3 sedan, which is smaller and cheaper than the Model S.

The 2170 battery is 46% larger in volume than the 18650 and 10-15% more energy efficient than the 18650.

It is very important to charge the battery correctly, namely with a proper charger - original or from a quality manufacturer, as from homemade ones chargers The battery overheats, poor contacts and poor current quality, resulting in a greatly affected battery capacity and longevity.

During operation, the manufacturer strongly recommends not exposing the vehicle to continuous temperatures above +60C or below -30C for more than 24 hours

It is recommended to prevent the battery from being completely discharged. If the car is not in use, energy is gradually consumed to power the on-board electronics (every day the battery is discharged by an average of 1%).

To prevent a complete discharge, it is recommended to put the car into an energy saving mode, in which the power to the on-board electronics is turned off, which will reduce the discharge to 4% per month. It is also worth noting that in energy-saving mode, charging the 12-volt battery stops, which will lead to its complete discharge within 12 hours. Therefore, in this case, you will need to connect to an external starting battery or replace it.

But, do not forget that when activating the energy saving mode, you must connect the car to a power source for 2 months to prevent the Tesla battery from completely discharging.

New Generation Tesla batteries being developed in a secret area

Alexander Klimnov, photo Tesla and Teslarati.com

New batteries may begin to be used on the promising Tesla pickup truck (drawing of the possible appearance of the pickup truck, which, according to other sources, may become more brutal, since it will have to sweep America’s current best-selling Ford F-series from the market)

Californians were the ones who created the first suitable serial production electric vehicles use energy-intensive lithium-ion batteries, thus dramatically increasing their range. At that time, the batteries of the Roadster model, the first-born of the Tesla brand, consisted of thousands of ordinary AA batteries for laptops, but now lithium-ion batteries are created specifically for electric vehicles. There are many manufacturers making them now, but Tesla's advanced technology still allows it to remain a leader in the energy-intensive battery segment. However, the first information about the next even more powerful generation of Tesla batteries began to leak into the world media.

Technological breakthrough through business acquisition
A revolutionary leap in terms of Tesla battery design development will likely occur thanks to the acquisition of Tesla Inc. from Maxwell Technologies of San Diego. Maxwell produces supercapacitors (ionisters) and is actively researching solid-state (dry) electrode technology. According to Maxwell, when using this technology, an energy intensity of 300 Wh/kg has already been achieved on battery prototypes. The task for the future is a breakthrough to an energy intensity level of more than 500 W h/kg. In addition, the production cost of solid-state batteries should be 10-20% lower than those currently used by Tesla with liquid electrolyte. The California-based company also announced another bonus - a projected doubling of battery life. This way, Tesla will be able to achieve the coveted 400-mile (643.6 km) range of its electric vehicles and achieve full price competitiveness with conventional cars.

The new 2020 Tesla Roadster supercar will be able to achieve a claimed range of 640 km only on completely new batteries

The intrigue of the launch of the compact Tesla Model Y in 2020 was the source of the batteries

In particular, the rhythmic supply of batteries for the Model Y announced for the fall of 2020 has been called into question general director Panasonic Kazuhiro Tsuga. Currently, Panasonic has stopped investing in Gigafactory 1 altogether. Perhaps Tesla wants to become independent from the Japanese by mastering its own production of battery cells.
Tesla is currently a leader in high-capacity battery technology for electric vehicles, and Californians are determined to defend this fundamental competitive advantage. The decisive step could be the purchase of Maxwell Technologies, but this depends on how much progress the San Diego specialists have actually made in bringing their revolutionary solid-state battery technology to market.

If the revolutionary technology of solid-state batteries really takes place, then it is possible that the Tesla Semi electric tractor will become a bestseller in the truck market, like the Model 3 in cars.

So far, many automakers are setting up their own production of battery cells. It seems that Tesla also wants to become more independent from its supplier Panasonic and is therefore also conducting research in this area.
With the availability of revolutionary high-energy solid-state batteries in sufficient quantities, Tesla will gain a decisive advantage in the market and will finally release the really cheap and long-range electric vehicles long promised by its owner Elon Muskov, which will cause an avalanche-like growth of the BEV market.
According to CNBC sources, Tesla's secret laboratory is located in a separate building near the Tesla plant in Fremont (photo behind the splash screen). Previously, there were reports of a closed “laboratory zone” located on the second floor of the enterprise. It is likely that the current battery division is the successor to that former laboratory, but even more secretive.

Tesla can only achieve a real breakthrough in the automotive market if its line of models becomes even more “long-range” with a significant reduction in price

According to IHS Markit analysts, the most expensive element of a modern electric vehicle is accumulator battery, but most of the money for them is not Tesla, but Panasonic.
Insiders are not yet able to report the real achievements of Tesla's secret laboratory. It is expected that Elon Musk will share it at the end of the year during the traditional conference call with investors.
Earlier it was reported that Tesla plans to sell at 1000 Tesla electric vehicles Model 3 per day. Tesla's current monthly record for Model 3 deliveries is 90,700 electric vehicles. If the company manages to deliver the planned number of electric vehicles in June, this record could be broken.