Warning: A very long series of threads on Tesla’s Powertrain technology
1) When judging EV tech the key factor to track is EV Battery & Powertrain production cost.
This is hard to derive from EV prices because EV sales can save ICE OEMs >$10k per car in avoided emissions fines.
1) When judging EV tech the key factor to track is EV Battery & Powertrain production cost.
This is hard to derive from EV prices because EV sales can save ICE OEMs >$10k per car in avoided emissions fines.
2) The best way to compare EV Powertrain production costs it to watch the two key drivers of cost: A) Miles of range per KWh (adjusted for vehicle passenger/cargo volume) & B) Battery Pack $ per KWh.
3) Why does Tesla’s Model 3 AWD achieve 322 EPA miles on a 80.5KWh pack while Porsche Taycan only gets 201 miles on a 93.4KWh pack? This is 46% worse Miles/KWh vs Model 3 AWD and 31% worse even vs a 2012 Model S.
4) Comparing Model 3 to the Chevy Bolt, I estimate the Model 3 Powertrain is ~$4k cheaper despite better range, performance & durability. This is huge when you consider ICE OEMs normally make ~$1k EBIT per car or $2-3k on luxury cars.
5) This isn’t including Tesla’s other significant savings from A) not advertising, B) not using dealerships, C) using an online first sales model, D) higher vertical integration of non-powertrain auto manufacturing & E) higher non-powertrain manufacturing innovation.
6) But focussing on the EV Powertrain why is Tesla so far ahead of all competition?
A) Cheaper battery cells, B) Cheaper battery packs, C) Better battery to wheel efficiency, D) Better weight (including battery pack capacity/kg and motor power/kg) and E) Better drag coefficient.
A) Cheaper battery cells, B) Cheaper battery packs, C) Better battery to wheel efficiency, D) Better weight (including battery pack capacity/kg and motor power/kg) and E) Better drag coefficient.
7) I will address each of these in separate threads.
8) Cheaper Battery Cells:
9) Cheaper Battery Packs:
10) Better Battery to Wheel Efficiency:
11) Lower Weight (both battery pack capacity/kg and motor power/kg)
12) Better Drag Coefficients:
