Following Tesla’s decision to launch a new base-level Model 3 with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery in the U.S., a new rumor has surfaced alleging that the company could be looking to relaunch the Model Y Standard Range (RWD) with the same battery.
According to rumor from @MilMileBattery (via InsideEVs), Tesla may debut the Model Y Standard Range with LFP battery in the U.S. as soon as Q4 2021, likely to be priced around $45,000 USD.
https://twitter.com/MilMileBattery/status/1431069945903845376
The Tesla Model Y SR has been delivering to customers in China over the course of the month, also featuring LFP batteries.
Watch a Tesla Model Y Built from Start to Finish at Giga Shanghai [VIDEO] https://t.co/6kBakb7oDP
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) August 25, 2021
While the SR variant of the electric compact crossover SUV was originally shelved in the U.S. and Canada for its range, the option of a more affordable Model Y may be appealing to many customers – despite a range that’s likely to be just 250 miles (402 km), which is a little better than the original release’s 222 miles (357 km).
It would be interesting if Tesla ends up exporting vehicles from Giga Shanghai to North America to meet demand. Tesla vehicles made in China include the new LFP batteries from supplier CATL. New Model 3 and Model Y orders aren’t delivering until early 2022.
These newer LFP batteries are different from the existing nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cells used at Fremont, made by Panasonic. They are able to be charged to 100% versus 90% for the existing NCA cells. Tesla CEO Elon Musk clarified yesterday such a change with the Model 3 Standard Range is to bring a unified experience with both battery packs.
Our intent with this pack is that product experience is roughly equivalent between nickel & iron.
I’d personally slightly opt for iron pack, as it wants to be charged to 100%, whereas nickel prefers ~90%.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2021
Earlier this month, Tesla’s Giga Shanghai began reaching a Model Y output of 1,000 cars per day, and with Tesla’s Giga Texas nearing completion and already testing Model Y prototypes, the U.S. output of Model Y units won’t be far behind.
