URGENT UPDATE: Tesla owners with vehicles equipped with LG battery cells produced in China are facing a significant issue: these batteries may age 40% faster than those from Panasonic. Experts from the Croatian workshop EV Clinic have raised serious concerns regarding the durability of these specific battery packs.
Owners of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y should be particularly vigilant if their vehicles contain NCM811 battery cells from LG Energy Solution. Technicians at EV Clinic have confirmed that these nickel-manganese-cobalt (NCM) batteries, manufactured in Nanjing, China, exhibit a higher failure rate compared to their Panasonic counterparts, raising alarms for thousands of European Tesla drivers.
The analysis indicates that while Panasonic batteries can endure up to 400,000 kilometers before significant defects emerge, LG batteries often reach their service life limit after just 240,000 kilometers. This stark contrast poses a serious concern for Tesla owners relying on long-range performance.
The critical issue stems from the internal resistance of the LG cells. A healthy Panasonic battery typically exhibits an internal resistance of around 10 milliohms, while LG cells can reach or exceed 28 milliohms upon delivery. Disturbingly, some LG cells have been found with values above 100 milliohms, significantly increasing the risk of failure and rendering repairs infeasible.
Yasir Zeb, a digital marketing expert, emphasizes the urgency of this situation, noting that the implications are not just technical but financial. EV Clinic reports losses exceeding €20,000 per month due to diagnostic work on these irreparable batteries. The extensive time required to open glued battery packs and assess thousands of individual cells further complicates the issue.
Affected Tesla owners face limited options. Many must resort to the costly replacement of their entire battery pack through Tesla, which can reach five figures outside of warranty. Alternatively, some may consider sourcing used Panasonic packs from secondary markets, as confirmed by Electrek.
As this situation develops, Tesla owners are urged to stay informed and consider the potential impact on their vehicles. The disparity in battery performance between LG and Panasonic could lead to costly repairs and replacements, making awareness essential for maintaining vehicle longevity.
This urgent warning serves as a reminder of the importance of battery quality in electric vehicles, as manufacturers and consumers alike navigate the complex landscape of technology and sustainability. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue affecting Tesla drivers across Europe.
