Tesla Model Y with Structural Battery May Already Be in Production, Owner’s Manual Hints

Photo: @Gfilche/Twitter

Tesla may have already started or will soon start producing Model Y with a structural battery pack that uses 4680 battery cells, hints the updated Owner's Manual.

Future Model Y owners are looking forward to when Tesla starts producing them using 4680 battery cells that are installed in a structural battery pack. While previously, new batteries were still in development and not installed in cars, there are now signs that their use has already begun, or at least will begin soon.

Tom Klun/Twitter found that in the updated Owner's Manual, Tesla uses explanations and a drawing of Model Y with a new battery pack design. In particular, he found an illustration of the car with a structural battery pack and an indication of lift points, as well as explanations for it.

"The following illustration is provided to improve conceptual understanding. If your Model Y is equipped with a structural battery pack, the exact location of the lift points will differ slightly. Check the vehicle itself for exact location of lift points."

@WholeMarsBlog Ran across a reference to structural pack in my Model Y owner’s manual! pic.twitter.com/BEZRkK8pK0

— Tom Klun (@TKlun1) January 14, 2022

Vehicle structure is a critical component of efficiency and performance—a component that Tesla is deeply focused on continuing to enhance. During Battery Day in 2020, the company announced that it will improve the design of its vehicles using a new battery architecture, utilizing a truly radical approach to manufacturing car parts.

With the new battery form factor, Tesla is able to minimize negative mass, thus increasing the density of the battery pack. The battery is then able to be positioned more efficiently, further reducing redundant structures within the packaging itself. The car's chassis, with two one-piece molded parts for the front and rear, allows the battery to be placed in the middle. As a result, this greatly simplifies production.

Also, centering the battery in the car increases safety. Now Tesla's cars can be even more protected from side impact. In addition, a centrally located battery enhances driving performance, namely agility. These improvements also result in a 10% weight reduction, a 14% increase in range, a significant reduction in the number of parts, and the overall increased structural integrity of the vehicle.



The 4680 battery cells are a highly anticipated Tesla product as they should significantly reduce production costs, which is critical for the wider adoption of electric vehicles. The company has brought a significant amount of innovation to the 4680 battery cell compared to what it shared at Battery Day in September 2020. It wasn't just a minor improvement on state-of-the-art, said Musk during the Q2 2021 Earnings Call in July.

© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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