Even though Tesla is the leading player in the EV battery technology industry, the company has no plans to get complacent and rest on its laurels. Over the years Tesla has been producing the best range of electric vehicles that offer rich features, and innovative designs, while still be able to exceed 300 miles on one charge. Tesla continues to push the barrier and is showing its commitment to improving on its battery technology.
The Model S Long Range Plus can even reach an electric range of 402 miles and while some consider that to be sufficient, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk wants to do better. The EV auto manufacturer is working on different cars that can pack a bigger punch in its range, namely the Tri-Motor Cybertruck and the next-generation Tesla Roadster.
The electric range and performance of an EV rely heavily on its battery. While the motors, chassis, and body of the car are important factors in this as well, it is the battery technology that determines the success of any electric vehicle or marks it as a disappointing addition to the EV market.
Earlier this week, Jeff Dahn and his team from Dalhousie University, who heads up Tesla’s battery research in Canada, released a new technical paper. The information outlined in the paper indicates that adding an electrolyte solution to the battery increases the battery energy density and that can result in a longer lifespan as it prevents degradation. So, with the future models of the Tri-Motor Cybertruck and Roadster, we can expect longer ranges from well over 500 miles. Currently, Tesla’s battery cells cannot hold this range so constant research and development are needed for the EV leader to stay ahead of the game.
The Cybertruck’s Tri-Motor configuration will need an advanced battery for its towing capacity, acceleration, and to maintain proper energy levels for a longer range. The Roadster however is not designed for heavy towing or for transporting excessive cargo. It is designed to be one of the fastest cars in the EV industry. Tesla’s founder says the Roadster could hit ranges over 621 miles. This is very ambitious, but Musk has proved he doesn’t do things on moderate levels. If Tesla’s cars are going to improve, then the battery will have to improve along with them. Considering the performance required from the Tri-Motor Cybertruck and Roadster, their new batteries would need to be bigger than the 100 kWh packs that Tesla uses in the Performance variations of the Model S and Model X. However, it is possible that Tesla will use smaller but more energy-dense batteries like the 2170 cells used in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y.
After Lucid revealed its 517 mile range in their electric car, The Air, Musk probably felt the competition was getting too close and he’s urged his battery engineers to get cracking on the new technology. Tesla probably wants to keep its poll position on holding the longest range for an EV even though Lucid’s The Air, seems to be technically knocking them a bit from the podium. Elon Musk will want to up the ante and watching progress on Tesla’s battery strategy will going to be an interesting observation. While other EV manufacturers are going to compete to beat Tesla’s range, Tesla is still the front runner in producing high-performance electric vehicles on a large scale.
