For a long time, Tesla's only battery suppliers, Panasonic and LG Chem, only provided ternary lithium battery solutions. Until last year, they cooperated with CATL to provide lithium iron phosphate batteries for the domestic Model 3 standard battery life version. Compared with ternary lithium batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries are more susceptible to temperature, but the lower cost allows car companies to lower the price to benefit consumers.
Earlier, Tesla Model Y was listed overseas for less than two months, and the price was reduced by as much as $2,000. A week later, the standard battery life version was removed from the official website. Musk said it was difficult to reach the "Tesla standard" because of its range Some people in the industry suspect that it may be related to production capacity. At present, overseas Model Y standard battery life can only be ordered by phone or in-store. Also a week ago, Tesla's Fremont factory in California was shut down due to a shortage of parts, but Musk did not specify which parts it was.
In 2020, the installed capacity of lithium iron phosphate batteries far exceeds that of ternary lithium batteries, and will maintain rapid growth. Last year, the Model 3 standard battery life version equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries produced by Tesla’s Shanghai plant was exported to many European countries. The impact of the replacement of the overseas Model 3/Model Y with lithium iron phosphate batteries on sales is unknown, but the domestic sales Model Y may usher in another price cut. According to rumors, the nickel shortage may last as long as five years, and Tesla may not be the only electric car company affected by the supply of ternary lithium batteries.
