The excitement was lesser than anticipated when Tesla announced that their Model S sedan was going to have even larger battery packs. Now, long-range high-performance electrical cars are great, but a lot of people wanted to know if Tesla should be more focused on knitting.
In reality, Tesla should focus on the $35000 Model 3 sedan with its 215-mile range that is expected to launch before the end of next year. However, according to some, these two things are not contradictory to each other. It is possible that the new battery structure used in the Tesla Model X P100D and the Model S P100D are a result of the development achieved in Model 3.
It is possible that these two models are the first Tesla vehicles to feature a battery pack that will be later seen on the upcoming Model 3. A post released on Electrek 3 weeks ago, suggested such kind of planning.
According to the post, the batteries in the 100D models act as a test-bed for the 3rd-generation battery pack technology to be introduced in the Model 3. The changes are featured in the architecture of all the modules and the pack in which they can be fit, as declared by Elon Musk, Tesla CEO.
Musk said that the cell would remain the same as in previous variants. However, to achieve adequate amounts of cooling, the module, and the pack architecture will be changed drastically; it will all take place in a more energy dense pack to further make sure that no cell-to-cell combustion exists.
The earlier Model S packs have the same form factor as that of the 100D packs. Earlier, they have offered varying capacities 60, 70, 75, 85, 90 and they currently offer 100kWh. Meanwhile, Tesla keeps using the standard 18650 lithium-ion cell’s modified version with Panasonic, its battery partner.
The new pack offers 11 percent additional energy capacity but regarding weight, it gains only 4 percent. There are some rearrangements in its circuitry and internals as well. According to Musk, using the present-generation cells in the existing form factor of the battery, 100kWh could turn out to be the practical limit in energy capacity measures.
Tesla wants that packaging to be retained so that new battery packs can be included in the Model S in future years. Meanwhile, JB Straubel, Tesla’s Chief Technology Officer, underscored the new battery internals designated for the Model 3 program.
The new Model 3 will come with a completely new set of tools (introduced from the Nevada Gigafactory) along with the new architecture. The battery module pack is going through some major technology changes. The cooling system is undergoing a complete redo. The matter is very unique to Tesla as they have been trying to enhance it for years. The new pack comes with an augmented version of that.
The upcoming Tesla Model 3 will make use of larger 2170 cells. They are slightly bigger in height and diameter but they hold a significant amount of volume. Rough calculations suggest that the Model 3 could end up using one-third fewer cells to churn out the same energy capacity as the 18650 format.
In terms of design, the Model 3 appears to be smaller than the Model S and looks quite stubbier. The overall profile is downsized by rear overhangs and short fronts.
With the simple structure of the car for aerodynamic purposes, the Model 3 can use most of its charge. For optimum efficiency, the vehicle has a target drag coefficient of simply 0.21cd. The Model 3 lacks a hatchback boot but the bonnet has a storage space lying underneath.