Tesla is making headlines again, but not for chasing futuristic battery breakthroughs. Instead, the electric car giant is putting its faith in the batteries it already knows best: lithium-ion. While many automakers are racing toward solid-state battery technology, Tesla believes there’s still plenty of room to improve the batteries powering its vehicles today.
Why stick with lithium-ion?
According to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, the company sees “a lot of gains” still to be made with lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. These types of batteries have already proven their strength in energy density, cost, and reliability. Moravy explained that Tesla is constantly tweaking the chemistry and design of its battery cells to make them better without needing a complete overhaul.
He pointed out that small changes in materials, cell shape, and manufacturing processes can lead to big improvements in charging speed, range, and cost. In fact, Tesla has been able to increase the range of its vehicles by about 150 miles since 2012, all while reducing costs.
What’s changing behind the scenes?
Tesla regularly updates its battery designs every few years. Recently, the company switched to new cells from suppliers like CATL and LG, which offer better performance thanks to improved electrolytes and packaging. These upgrades help Tesla vehicles charge faster and drive farther, without needing a brand-new battery type.
Even though solid-state batteries promise faster charging and longer life, they’re still expensive and hard to produce at scale. Tesla isn’t ignoring them but for now, it’s focused on what works.
A smart strategy for today’s Market
Tesla’s decision to stick with current battery tech is also a smart business move. By improving existing batteries, the company can keep prices down and make electric vehicles more accessible. That’s especially important as Tesla expands into new markets and faces growing competition.
Meanwhile, Tesla is still keeping an eye on solid-state developments. But as Moravy said, “we’re only in the beginning” of what current batteries can do. That means more upgrades are coming, without waiting for a major breakthrough.
The bottom line
Tesla’s bet on lithium-ion isn’t just about staying comfortable, it’s about pushing the limits of proven technology. With steady improvements year after year, Tesla is showing that innovation doesn’t always mean starting from scratch.
As InsideEVs reports, Tesla’s approach could help it stay ahead in the EV race, even as rivals chase the next big thing. For now, solid-state can wait, because the batteries we have are still getting better.
What this means for drivers and the future of EVs
Tesla’s continued push to improve current batteries benefits not just the company, it matters to everyday drivers. Longer range means fewer charging stops, faster charging means less time spent waiting, and lower costs could make EVs more affordable to more people.
For someone buying their first electric car, these upgrades could be the difference between taking the leap or waiting a few more years. Tesla knows this and by focusing on what’s already working, they’re helping push electric driving into the mainstream.
As the industry matures, smart improvements on current tech could pave the way for a more accessible EV future. It’s not just about chasing far-off breakthroughs, it’s about making progress now.
