Model 3 Battery Speculation

[gubes]

Based on size, weight and efficiency, my guess is that the base battery would be 50kWh.

When Tesla sold the S70, pack cost was US$220/kWh = US$15,400 or 22% of the base retail price.

By the time, Tesla sells base model 3, pack cost would US$150/kWh = Us

 

[gubes]

Sorry to continue US$7,500 which = 21% of retail price. Hence I think 50kwh makes sense from a range and cost perspective

 

[J1mbo]

Here's another relevant tweet, in regard to the aerodynamics he says of the cD:

hopefully 0.21

Compare with 0.24 on the Model S and X.

My own math on this subject... subject to error

The 85KWh Model S has a 265-mile EPA range based on 291Wh/mile, i.e., using up 77KWh to do 265 miles, and leaving 8KW behind (or 9% of the battery) for reserves.

If the Model 3 also used up 291Wh/mile, it would take 69KWh to travel 215 miles, assuming a 9% reserve.

But, with its narrower tires and improved aerodynamics and power electronics... let's assume the Model 3 can use as little as 250Wh/mile. (this is 55mph, level ground at sea level, etc. etc. per the usual range criteria for Model S).

It would use about 53KWh for 215 miles, and with 9% in reserve that would be a 60KWh battery.

If the Model 3 uses even less than 250Wh/mile - perhaps 200Wh/mile - it could go further, or require a smaller battery.

Totally agree with this, however this still means (at least) 7.5kWh per module. Using the current design & S85 chemistry, each module in the M3 would have to have 30% more volume to provide 7.5kWh, but as the car has a smaller footprint this does not seem likely.

 

[RobStark]

 

[malcolm]

Mr Walken makes an excellent point.

I'm hoping that by the time we get "Reveal Part Deux" the S and the X will be available with 90kWh and 100kWh and the 3 will have 70 and 80.

 

[AWDtsla]

Totally agree with this, however this still means (at least) 7.5kWh per module. Using the current design & S85 chemistry, each module in the M3 would have to have 30% more volume to provide 7.5kWh, but as the car has a smaller footprint this does not seem likely.

S100 chemistry and wider/taller cells? But I don't see how you get 7.5kWh. There's at least 8 bricks, maybe 1-2 more under the rear seat. Even if it's 50kWh with a 4kWh buffer, that's still 6.75kWh/brick