What is a Lithium-Ion Battery and How Does it Work?
This article will delve into the inner workings of lithium-ion batteries, exploring how they store and release energy, types of lithium
Just so we're clear, all Teslas, from the 2006 Roadster to the 2026 Model Y, use Lithium-Ion battery packs. The difference in battery packs between Teslas lies with the chemistry that goes along with the lithium and in the physical size and number of the cells included in each pack.
EV batteries are referred to as packs because they typically consist of several battery modules that, in some cases, can contain hundreds of individual cylindrical battery cells that are the same shape as common AA and AAA batteries.
Unlike traditional alkaline or lead-acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries offer greater energy density, extended longevity, and quicker charging capabilities, making them the preferred choice for today's high-performance devices.
The difference in battery packs between Teslas lies with the chemistry that goes along with the lithium and in the physical size and number of the cells included in each pack. Tesla's first battery packs—the ESS packs made for the Tesla Roadster—were made up of 6,831 18650-type cells (3.7v cells, each cylindrical with a size of 18mm x 65mm).
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