does anyone know the amount of copper in a Model 3? Some detractors are saying it is 3x more (about 75 lbs) than a typical ICE car. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any details. Thank you.
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Copper in a Model 3
- Thread starter dhrivnak
- Start date
Sure a professor has the opinion that EVs use significantly more critical metals than a typical ICE car and if EVs were to scale we do not have the copper, cobalt and rare earths to support them.
Kitfox
Member
Possibly part of why Tesla is trying to get the wiring length down by orders of magnitude.
1.5km of wire in the Model 3. For comparison purposes, that's less than most cars in 2016 and even less less in 2019. Even the model S at 3km of wire is less than comparable luxury sedans. They patented a concept to bring the wiring down to 0.1km on the Model Y and are likely to retrofit that design into future Model 3 builds because copper is serious business.
To put it simply, a Model 3 has about the same amount of copper as any other car.
The cobalt and rare earth issues have led to massive research in battery and motor technology to cut those materials down or completely out and so batteries are finally making big advancements after several decades of being "Good Enough™".
It would definitely be spiffy for the professor to do his research, learn about the specifics, and form an educated opinion instead of just a gut feeling or partial information opinion. But then I guess those who can't do, teach. <.<
1.5km of wire in the Model 3. For comparison purposes, that's less than most cars in 2016 and even less less in 2019. Even the model S at 3km of wire is less than comparable luxury sedans. They patented a concept to bring the wiring down to 0.1km on the Model Y and are likely to retrofit that design into future Model 3 builds because copper is serious business.
To put it simply, a Model 3 has about the same amount of copper as any other car.
The cobalt and rare earth issues have led to massive research in battery and motor technology to cut those materials down or completely out and so batteries are finally making big advancements after several decades of being "Good Enough™".
It would definitely be spiffy for the professor to do his research, learn about the specifics, and form an educated opinion instead of just a gut feeling or partial information opinion. But then I guess those who can't do, teach. <.<
DopeGhoti
Active Member
"Those who can't do, teach; those who can't teach, teach gym; those who can't teach gym, end up in middle management."
I know the Model 3 has less chassis wiring but the motor copper is significantly more. Add in the copper for the battery and electronics I could see it being much more than a typical car but not sure how much more.
StealthP3D
Well-Known Member
Uh, no, the "critical metals" are not all that critical and are always recycled. Just a FUDster argument of zero consequence.
Not sure of that as due to the insulation, much of the chassis wiring is not recycled from cars from my understanding.
High amperage power cables are heavy, so not only motor has a lot of a copper.
I disagree. The copper windings in the motors are not present in ICE vehicles, nor are the high voltage cables. Both contain many kilos of copper.
But copper is not a rare and costly metal. In addition, electric motors have very long lifespans.
StealthP3D
Well-Known Member
The Model 3 has thick aluminum high amperage cables.
Maybe you should quit drinking canned beer/soda so we don't run out of aluminum.
StealthP3D
Well-Known Member
More importantly, the copper is recycled at the end of life. Even insulated wires.
Do you know this for sure? I would be surprised to know this as to make loses at minimum aluminium cables should be much thicker than copper cables for the same amperage.The Model 3 has thick aluminum high amperage cables.
Maybe you should quit drinking canned beer/soda so we don't run out of aluminum.
Uncle Paul
Well-Known Member
Maybe much thicker, but aluminum is also much lighter and less expensive.
Believe this copper thing is a red herring. No real issue here.
Believe this copper thing is a red herring. No real issue here.
