Tesla’s Worse Nightmare Just Got A Huge Upgrade

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the competition between BYD and Tesla in the electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting how BYD's Blade Battery technology is challenging Tesla's dominance.

🙋 Q&A

[01] BYD's Blade Battery

1. What is the BYD Blade Battery and why is it so good?

• The Blade Battery is BYD's in-house battery pack that is significantly more cost-effective than other batteries on the market.
• It uses massive prismatic blade-like cells stacked in rows to increase energy density and charge speeds without increasing overall costs.
• The Blade Battery can charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, has an energy density of 150 Wh/kg, a charge cycle lifespan of 3,000+ charges, and a cost per kWh of less than $85.
• Compared to the CATL-sourced LFP pack in the base Tesla Model 3, the Blade Battery has better performance and lower costs.

2. How is BYD able to sell EVs so cheaply while maintaining greater profit margins than Tesla?

• BYD's revolutionary Blade Battery is significantly more cost-effective than other batteries on the market.
• The Blade Battery's simple design approach reduces manufacturing costs and makes the entire pack lighter and more space-efficient.
• BYD has sold and licensed the Blade Battery to almost every major EV manufacturer, including Tesla, allowing them to benefit from the cost savings.

[02] BYD's Gen 2 Blade Battery

1. What are the key improvements in the Gen 2 Blade Battery?

• The Gen 2 Blade Battery will have the same cost, longevity, and charge speeds as the previous generation, but it will be significantly lighter and more compact.
• The energy density of the cells has been increased to around 220 Wh/kg, giving the entire pack an energy density of 190 Wh/kg, making it the world's most energy-dense LFP battery pack.
• The increased energy density will provide a range boost for EVs and allow for larger battery packs without increasing weight.

2. How will the Gen 2 Blade Battery impact the EV market?

• The Gen 2 Blade Battery could render Tesla's expansion plans and its 4680 battery useless, as it offers better performance and lower costs.
• BYD's Blade Battery-powered Model 3 rival, the Seal, with the Gen 2 battery, will have a WLTP range of over 500 miles, while still costing slightly less than a Model 3 Long Range.
• The Blade Battery is licensed to almost every major EV manufacturer, so the improvements in the Gen 2 version will benefit a wide range of EVs.