Former Tesla VP of Powertrain and Energy Drew Baglino previously mentioned that Cybertruck would be receiving charging improvements soon.
Wes Morrill, Tesla’s Cybertruck lead engineer, recently reposted Baglino’s comments on the charge speed update on June 16th and mentioned that it would be coming soon via OTA.
Charging Improvements
The 4680 cell has seen some difficulties in its charge curve, similar to Tesla’s other vehicles that have been deployed with the 4680. Tesla has alluded to difficulties in the manufacturing curve previously, and also with engineering improvements to the new cell standard, and eventually stopped manufacturing the Model Y with the 4680 cells.
However, this is the first time that Tesla has begun to deploy major improvements to the 4680 cell. It appears the improvements will allow up to 154 miles to be recovered in 15 minutes, which is approximately a 30% improvement to current charge rates.
We’re hoping that these improvements to the 4680 will also translate to older Model Y vehicles that have 4680 cells, which will be key to the owners of these vehicles. 4680 production is currently mainly focused on Powerwall, Megapack, and Cybertruck – with Semi not using 4680 yet.
Tesla has begun providing different Model 3 and Model Y Long Range variants for its customers – dividing the two variants between those who are eligible for the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit, and those who are not eligible.
Eligible vs Non-Eligible Customers
Tesla is making two versions of their Long Range models of the Model 3 and Model Y available to customers in the U.S. One of them qualifies for the tax rebate, and the other doesn’t. However, there are some underlying differences between the two models customers should know.
Customers who claim they are eligible for the tax credit will be provided a VIN for a vehicle that qualifies for the EV Tax Credit. Vehicles that qualify for the Tax Credit have their battery and its cells manufactured in North America.
Customers who aren’t eligible or don’t opt to use the tax credit will get a VIN that doesn’t qualify for the federal credit. Customers who aren’t eligible for the federal rebate may still be eligible for local or state rebates, and these cars should be eligible for those specific rebates.
Panasonic vs LG Batteries
So what’s the difference between the two variants? It essentially comes down to the batteries and where they’re produced. The Model 3 and Model Y cars that are eligible for the tax credit will contain Panasonic batteries, which are produced in the U.S., while the cars not eligible for the rebate will include LG batteries.
They’re both non-LFP, 2170 cells, and while there isn’t a huge difference on the surface between the battery cells since they offer similar “regular” charging speeds and range, one does tend to be a little better. The LG batteries have been known to not charge as fast at level 3 chargers – which include Superchargers.
We recommend getting the vehicle that qualifies for the rebate that includes Panasonic batteries, even if you’re not planning to take advantage of the federal rebate. Besides getting a better battery, it leaves you open to receiving the tax rebate if circumstances change later in the year. It’s possible Tesla may offer a discount on the LG battery-powered model in the future, but at this time with them being the same cost, the Panasonic version makes more sense.
The Performance variant of the Model 3 and Model Y also comes with the Panasonic batteries. The LFP pack in the Rear-Wheel Drive variants of either vehicle also charge faster than the LG batteries.
The video below shows some of the speed differences between the battery packs.
How to View Cars
To view the vehicles with their specific battery packs, you’ll need to use Tesla’s inventory system. Simply go to the Inventory section of Tesla’s site, and then enable (Panasonic batteries) or disable (LG batteries) the Tax Credit Eligible Vehicles toggle on Tesla’s site.
Tesla has issued two voluntary recalls for the Cybertruck, both requiring physical servicing.
Wiper Motor Recall
The first recall is concerning the wiper motor, which has a build defect. Approximately 2% of delivered trucks (11,688 vehicles) have a malfunctioning gate driver component and will require a replacement. The full assembly will be replaced.
We’re expecting this replacement to be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as the refit of the motor assembly should be doable by just one individual, as per the Cybertruck Service Manual.
The Cybertruck’s unique sails (the triangular panel that connects the top of the truck to the back of the truck bed) have some uniquely attached trim pieces – and some of them are reportedly failing. Tesla has issued a recall for these sail trim pieces as well, which can become detached at speed due to wind catching the front edge of the trim piece, and lifting it away.
Tesla will replace or rework the cosmetic trim piece along the exterior of the sails, to ensure sufficient adhesion. This will include the application of a new adhesion promotor and pressure-sensitive tape.
We’re expecting this replacement to also be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as some Cybertruck owners on X have previously had the same issue fixed by mobile service.
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