3 Ways to Know If a Tesla Has a 4680 Battery!
Last updated on September 21st, 2023 at 09:36 am
If you’re confused about whether or not your Tesla has a 4680 battery, this article is for you. There is no doubt the 4680 battery is an engineering marvel.
Besides enhancing the electric vehicle’s performance by providing increased range and improved efficiency, it also promises faster charging speed.
Nonetheless, how can you determine which Tesla models use the 4680 battery? Let’s delve in to find out.
The only Tesla models that use the 4680 batteries are the Model Y. Check for the EPA estimated range to verify if your Model Y Tesla has the 4680 battery. 4680 battery-powered Teslas have a lower EPA estimated range than the 2170 battery-powered Teslas.
In this article, I will explain how to know if your Tesla has the 4680 battery pack and which models come standard with it.
Furthermore, by the end, you will know how long the 4680 battery lasts.
How Do You Know If Your Tesla Has the 4680 Battery Pack?
To verify if your Tesla has the 4680 battery pack, try out any of the approaches below:
#1. Check the VIN
The VIN in Teslas is a 17-digit alphanumeric code unique to each vehicle.
You will find it on the vehicle’s dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, and the vehicle’s title and registration documents.
To verify if your Tesla uses the 4680 battery, you can check the first three digits of the VIN. If the first three digits are “LRW,” your Tesla uses the 4680 battery pack.
However, if the first three digits are not “LRW,” your Tesla may still have the 4680 battery pack.
However, this is not a foolproof method, as Tesla has not yet released all vehicles with the 4680 battery pack, and some vehicles with the older 2170 battery pack may have the LRW VIN prefix.
#2. Check the Production Date
Tesla started producing vehicles with the 4680 battery pack in late 2022.
If your Tesla model was manufactured after December 2022, it would likely have the 4680 battery pack.
However, it is important to note that some vehicles manufactured in early 2023 may still have the older 2170 battery pack.
You will find the production date of your Tesla written in the 11th and 12th digits of the VIN. The first digit is the year, and the second is the month.
So, for example, a VIN that starts with “5Y” was produced in May 2023.
“5Y” gives the year and month of production because the letter “Y” represents the year 2023. The letter “5” represents the month of May.
Here is a table that shows the letters that represent the year and month in a Tesla VIN.
| Year | Letter |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Y |
| 2022 | X |
| 2021 | W |
| 2020 | V |
| 2019 | U |
| 2018 | T |
#3. Check the Battery Capacity
You can use the Tesla app to verify your battery’s capacity by following the steps below:
- Open the app
- Go to the “Vehicle” tab
- Tap on “Battery”
- Scroll down to the “Battery Capacity”
These steps will show you the current capacity of your battery and the original capacity. The battery capacity can tell if your Tesla has the 4680 battery pack.
The 4680 battery pack has a higher energy density than the previous 2170 battery pack, so it will have a higher capacity.
If your Tesla’s battery capacity is 75 kWh or higher, it will likely have the 4680 battery pack.
However, some Teslas with the 2170 battery pack have a capacity of 75 kWh, so this is not a foolproof method.
If you are unsure if your Tesla has the 4680 battery pack, you can contact Tesla customer service. They can look up your VIN and tell you which battery pack your vehicle has.
Which Tesla Models Come Standard with the 4680 Battery Pack?
Only the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD and Performance models manufactured at Tesla’s new Gigafactory Texas come standard with the 4680 battery pack.
These models have a range of 330 miles and 330 miles, respectively. The 4680 battery pack is a significant upgrade over the previous 2170 battery pack.
It is larger and has a higher energy density, meaning it can store more energy and provide a longer range.
The 4680 battery pack is also more efficient; it can go further on a single charge.
Here is a table of Tesla models with the 4680 battery pack, trim levels, and battery range.
| Model | Trim Level | Battery Range |
|---|---|---|
| Model Y | Standard Range AWD | 279 Miles |
| Model Y | Long Range AWD | 330 Miles |
| Model Y | Performance | 330 Miles |
Does Tesla Still Put the 4680 Battery Pack?
Yes, Tesla still puts the 4680 battery pack in some vehicles. The 4680 battery pack has several advantages over the previous 2170 battery pack, including the following:
Higher Energy Density: The 4680 battery has a higher energy density, meaning it can store more energy in a given volume, meaning more range per kWh battery.
Lower Production Costs: The 4680 battery is easier to manufacture than the 2170 battery. It results in a much lower production cost for 4680 batteries than 2170 batteries.
Increased Structural Rigidity: The 4680 batteries are more structurally rigid than the 2170 batteries. This advantage makes the battery pack stronger and more resistant to damage.
Faster Charging Speeds: The 4680 battery charges faster than the 2170 battery. It makes it more convenient to charge Tesla vehicles powered by 4680 batteries.
Improved Thermal Management: The 4680 battery features improved thermal management.
It helps to prevent the battery from overheating and better ensures the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Increased Power Output: You can expect the 4680 battery to deliver more power than the 2170 battery.
This advantage improves the performance and efficiency of the vehicles, as well as other areas, such as acceleration and top speed.
How Long Does the 4680 Battery Last?
Tesla estimates the 4680 battery could last for a million miles. This estimate is significantly longer than the lifespan of the 2170 battery, which typically lasts for 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
The 4680 battery will last longer for several reasons:
- It is made of a more durable material, which can withstand more wear and tear.
- It has a better thermal management system, which can help to prevent the battery from overheating.
- It is more resistant to degradation, the process by which batteries lose their capacity over time.
However, it is important to note that the actual lifespan of the 4680 battery will depend on some factors, including:
- The owner’s driving habits.
- The climate in which you drive the vehicle.
- The maintenance was performed on the battery.
If Tesla can achieve its goal of a million-mile battery, it would be a breakthrough for the electric vehicle industry.
Electric vehicles could last as long as gasoline-powered vehicles, making them more attractive to consumers.
To protect and extend the lifespan of your 4680 battery, follow the tips highlighted below:
Drive Gently: Your 4680 battery will last longer when you drive gently and do not subject it to extreme temperatures or stress.
Avoid hard acceleration and braking, which can put stress on the battery.
Keep Your Battery Clean: Debris can accumulate on your battery and cause corrosion. The battery will last longer if you maintain it properly, including keeping it clean and corrosion-free.
Do Not Let the Battery Run Too Low: Keeping the battery charged between 20% and 80% charged is best. Don’t store the battery in a discharged state.
If you’re not using your vehicle for an extended period, store the battery with a charge of at least 50%.
Conduct Regular Maintenance: A qualified technician should regularly inspect and service your vehicle’s battery.
In addition, update your software regularly. Tesla frequently releases software updates that can improve the performance and lifespan of its batteries.
What Are the Differences Between Tesla’s 4680 and 2170 Batteries?
The tesla battery: 4680 vs 2170 showdown highlights significant differences between these two battery models. The 4680 battery is larger in size, offering higher energy capacity and better performance. It has a structural design that simplifies manufacturing and enhances thermal management. In contrast, the smaller 2170 battery has been used in earlier Tesla models. The 4680 battery’s advancements in energy density and efficiency make it a promising contender for future electric vehicles.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between 2170 and 4680 Batteries?
The 4680 battery cell is 5.5 times larger than the 2170 cell and can store five times the energy while delivering 16 percent more driving range.
Do Other Car Brands Use 4680 Battery?
No, Tesla is the only automaker that produces the 4680 battery. However, other automakers are developing their own versions of the 4680 battery or are working with Tesla to license the technology.
Does the Tesla Semi Use 4680 Battery?
No, the Tesla Semi does not use the 4680 battery. Instead, it uses the 2170 cells, the same cells you will find in many other Tesla models.
Are Tesla 4680 Cells Better?
Yes, 4680 batteries have greater potential in terms of energy density, fast charging rate, cruising range, and assembly methods.
Hey, I’m Michael Davis, a 35-year-old with a degree and a love for cars and tech. Since I was a kid, cars have been my thing—so much that I even thought they ran on magic beans! Fast forward, and I’ve built Vehicle Army, your one-stop-shop for easy-to-understand car facts.
