Tesla Giga Berlin has begun production of the Model Y with BYD Blade batteries
A few days ago, Tesla's super factory in Berlin, Germany has started production of the ModelY rear drive with BYD batteries, according to the Caixin news agency. This is the first electric car with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries that Tesla has launched in the European market.
It is understood that this ModelY base version uses BYD's blade battery technology, with a battery capacity of 55kWh and a range of 440km. In contrast, the ModelY base version exported to Europe from China's Shanghai plant uses CATL's LFP battery, which has a capacity of 60kWh and a range of 455km. The main difference between the two is that BYD's blade battery can be installed directly into the body structure, reducing weight and cost.
Tesla's German factory also uses the latest casting technology to cast the ModelY's front and rear frames into a single unit in one go, improving body strength and stability, a technology that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called a revolution in auto manufacturing. Currently, Tesla Giga Berlin has produced ModelY performance and long range. The ModelY base version with BYD batteries could roll off the line within a month. This also means that Tesla will offer more choices and price ranges in the European market to attract more consumers.
There are reports that Tesla has no plans to use BYD batteries in the Chinese market for the time being, and still relies mainly on CATL and LG Chem as battery suppliers.
