A Deep Dive into Battery Tech: LFP, NMC and New Solid-State Batteries and Their Advantages

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Samsung SDI, who already produces some of Tesla’s 4680 battery cells, has recently begun testing new solid-state batteries.

Solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, cooler, and safer than current cell formats that are used in electric vehicles. There’s a lot of potential and possibilities in solid-state batteries.

Let’s dig into exactly what these new batteries are, and why everyone seems to fuss all over them on the big news channels every time a company makes an announcement.

Regular Batteries

The biggest thing to understand about solid state battery is how they’re different from regular batteries is terms of materials and design. We’ll dig into regular batteries first, and then get to solid state batteries.

Today, Tesla’s EVs – and EVs in general, use one of two types of batteries – LFP or NMC. LFP batteries are composed of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFP on the periodic table), while NMC is composed of Nickle Manganese Cobalt (NiMnCo). Tesla uses LFP batteries in its standard range vehicles, while their longer-range or performance siblings use NMC battery composition.

The biggest difference here is price and performance – LFP has a more stable chemistry and less degradation but also has a lower energy density. Meanwhile NMC performs better, outputs more energy, has a higher energy density, but isn’t as chemically stable and will degrade faster.

These chemical differences also aid with temperatures – NMC batteries perform better in more extreme weather conditions such as extreme cold or extreme heat – much better than their LFP siblings.

Both of these types of batteries also contain a liquid electrolyte – a wet medium that is electrically conductive and enables the movement of the ions in the battery pack, but won’t conduct electricity. So, with all that aside, let’s take a look at what solid state batteries bring to the table.

Solid State Batteries

Solid State Batteries don’t contain that liquid electrolyte. That’s already a huge change – because a large portion of the weight and density increases in regular battery packs actually originate from that heavy liquid. The replacement of that liquid is a stable, solid electrolyte, generally in the form of glass or ceramics.

Essentially, that frees up space and makes it easier to cool the batteries – so much so that solid state batteries today are used in smartwatches and other wearable devices – even pacemakers. In fact, that space saving is so large, that a solid-state equivalent of an LFP or NMC battery would use up 1/10^th of the space, with a similar reduction in weight.

Additionally, solid state batteries don’t need all the additional equipment for monitoring, controlling, and cooling the liquid electrolyte – the pack is a solid block that can be cooled similar to a PC part – like a CPU.

The removal of the liquid electrolyte can also improve vehicle safety. We’re sure you’ve been told never to puncture a battery pack – that’s because when the electrolyte is removed, LFP and NMC batteries can experience thermal runaway – they have no way to cool themselves, and this heat reaction spreads throughout the battery, leading to a fire. In addition, the electrolyte tends to be flammable and toxic – making battery fires a truly dangerous, but still rare, phenomenon.

The electrolyte liquid – even though it does the important job of moving the ions around – actually can and will do permanent damage to the components of the battery, causing corrosion or build up over exceptionally long times. That’s exactly how you get battery degradation!

A solid electrolyte solves all these problems. Mostly. Even the solid electrolyte can degrade over time but will last an exceptionally long time. That’s why many companies advertise 20-year lifespans, and with considerable energy density.

Samsung’s recent solid-state breakthrough has them mentioning a 20-year lifespan with 500Wh/kg. Tesla’s newest 4680 cell is 244 to 296Wh/kg right now. Samsung has also mentioned a massive charging speed improvement – 9 minutes. That’s probably a 20% to 80% number, rather than a 0% to 100% number – as charge speeds at the far end of the curve tend to slow down considerably to protect the battery, while exceptionally low states of charge are uncommon.

Where is the Solid State?

We did say we already use solid state batteries elsewhere, like in wearable devices. But why not cars? They’re expensive. In fact, very, very expensive to manufacture at the size and scale needed to power EVs. Tesla and its battery suppliers, including Samsung, CATL, and LG, have been prototyping and working on their own solid state battery projects over the years.

Once they figure out how to scale these up, we could see drastic improvements in vehicle range and longevity, alongside improved charging times. But I wouldn’t expect them to show up right around the corner – it may take several years for engineers and scientists to work everything out, and another few to figure out to mass produce it.

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Tesla’s New Signal Viewer Panel in Service Mode+ Allows You to View Real-Time Data

@scotsrule08 on X

Tesla’s latest software update, version 2025.2, brings new features to Service Mode, continuing the trend of improving in-vehicle diagnostics.

Currently, this feature is only available for vehicles with AMD Ryzen infotainment systems and requires Service Mode+, which is a subscription service aimed at technicians. Intel-powered vehicles aren’t supported yet, but we expect this feature to roll out to them as well unless hardware limitations prevent it.

Thanks to Spencer for providing an image of the panel in action.

Signal Viewer Panel

While update 2025.2.6 adds four service mode improvements, including updates to brake burnishing, charge port calibration, and noise recording panel improvements. In this article, we’ll focus on the new signal viewer panel.

This new panel offers a live data feed from selectable vehicle sensors. You select the signals you’re interested in and it’ll plot the signal on a graph. In addition to allowing you to view real-time signal data, it also allows you to record them.

The signals are searchable and can be easily added or removed from the panel. You can track up to 10 sensors, and the UI allows three of them to be viewable at once.

However, this is Service Mode and it’s more than just pretty looks. You can really dig down into these charts. You can pan them left and right through time, and tapping a specific point shows the exact value of that signal. The panel also supports pinch-to-zoom, enabling you to adjust the time scale across all panels simultaneously.

This feature is exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. It’s designed to help technicians diagnose issues related to signal quality, noise in the vehicle’s electrical systems, and signal variance in components during driving.

We’re excited to see Tesla’s continued focus on repairability, especially with additions like the Cybertruck’s Interactive Wiring Diagram and the launch of the Tesla Online Parts Catalog, which lets customers purchase parts directly.

Plus, with the reduced cost of ToolBox 3 subscriptions, even DIY enthusiasts now have access to tools that make Tesla repairs more accessible.

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Tesla Introduces New Model Y Variants in Europe; Ends Launch Series

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Tesla has updated its Model Y lineup in Europe, introducing new standard configurations while discontinuing the limited-edition Launch Series. With the new variants now available, European customers will have more choices and cheaper options to pick from.

The Launch Series and some of its exclusive features will no longer be offered—except in the UK, where it remains available alongside the new lineup.

New Models Introduced

Tesla’s new Model Y lineup in Europe includes three main variants. The prices vary slightly from country to country.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Priced at €44,990, this model is the most affordable new Model Y, but it also has the shortest range and is missing a few features available on other trim levels.

• Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD): Available for €49,990, this version is essentially the same as the RWD model, but with a larger battery. It has seen a €1,000 price increase compared to the outgoing Long Range RWD model.

• Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD): At €52,990, this model has seen a price drop of €2,000, making it a better deal than the previous LR AWD Model Y. This is also the only new Model Y to come with most of the same features as the Launch Series, including additional speakers, a subwoofer, premium materials inside the cabin and improved acceleration. Acceleration boost should also become available for this model, letting it match the performance of the Launch Series.

All Model Y variants come with all the improvements that we’ve discussed about the new Model Y, including the new front and rear light bars, improved aerodynamics, ventilated seats, improved heat and sound isolation, and the 8-inch rear touchscreen. Some exclusive options, like the Midnight Cherry Red paint, appear to no longer be available. However, Tesla has already said that they’ll be introducing new paint options for the Model Y in North America.

Compare Model Y Variants

Here’s how the various Model Y variants compare to each other:

Launch Series Ends

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The Launch Series, which debuted just weeks ago in Europe, has now been phased out. This limited-edition model was priced at €60,990 and included a suite of premium features comparable to a bundle deal you may find with other products. It came equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD), Acceleration Boost, and exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, door sill plates, and puddle lights.

While the Launch Series is no longer available for new orders in most European countries, customers can still get a similar vehicle by opting for the Long Range AWD model and manually adding premium features like FSD. Acceleration Boost, which was standard in the Launch Series, is expected to become available for purchase once these vehicles are delivered or soon afterward. However, some exclusive elements, such as badging and trim details, will remain unique to the discontinued edition.

For now, the UK remains an exception, still offering the Launch Series alongside the newly introduced models.

Performance Model Still to Come

With Tesla now introducing the expected variants of the refreshed Model Y, one notable absence is the Performance model. While the Launch Series was fast due to the Acceleration Boost addon, there’s no doubt the Performance version will be in a league of its own.

What we saw Tesla do with the 2024+ Model 3 Performance variant was more than just using binned motors. The vehicle featured unique bumpers, a spoiler, an improved suspension, sport seats, Track Mode V3 and other features that made the vehicle stand out compared to the Model 3 AWD.

The Performance version of the new Model Y is expected to become available later this year, however, expect it to carry a $5-$8k premium over the AWD model.

Other Regions to Follow

As Europe phases out the Launch Series, other regions are expected to see similar changes. With the other models now revealed, owners in other regions have a better idea of whether they should buy the Launch Series or wait for the additional models to arrive.

Tesla naturally adjusts its offerings based on market demand, and if sales of the Launch Series remain strong in other parts of the world, Tesla will likely wait it out a little longer before offering the other models.

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