German-Made Tesla Model Y with BYD Battery Showcases Improved Charging Curve

German-made RWD Model Y with a BYD battery shows an impressive charging curve

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Tesla’s latest variant of the Model Y, recently produced in Gigafactory Berlin, showcases a promising charging curve, marking a notable improvement for Tesla's fleet. A selection of customers has already had the chance to experience this new model, replete with a cutting-edge BYD battery, indicating an upgrade in charging capacity that could prove a game-changer for the electric vehicle market.

The entry-level versions of Model Y, equipped with rear-wheel drive and sporting a lesser battery capacity than the Long Range and Performance versions, were delivered earlier this week. However, a slight hitch in the form of registration paperwork issues caused a temporary pause in deliveries. A handful of German customers, who could register their Model Y RWD, wasted no time examining the charging capabilities of the new BYD battery.

Early Hiccups in Model Y Deliveries from Gigafactory Berlin

Gigafactory Berlin has started production of the Model Y on an impressive scale, with several customers announcing their receipt of vehicle identification numbers, a clear indication of their Tesla's German origin. However, the delivery process encountered unexpected delays, reportedly due to discrepancies between the type of approval and the engine Tesla has used in these vehicles, necessitating a swift solution.

Earlier this week, Tesla's inventory suggested a substantial stock of German-produced Model Y RWD vehicles "ready for immediate delivery." As of Thursday, though, only China-made models were available. Despite the same exterior appearance and listed tech specs, the German and China-made versions differ significantly under the hood.

BYD Battery Replaces Tesla's In-House Batteries in German Model Y

German-produced Model Y uses a structural battery pack initially manufactured by BYD, contrasting with the in-house batteries used in Gigafactory Texas. Interestingly, the basic Model Y variant from China comes with a battery from CATL, akin to the BYD battery used for the German version, as both use robust LFP chemistry.

Tesla Mag spotted one of the first, if not the only customer, to receive and register a German Model Y RWD before the delivery halt was TFF forum member 'ingolfernst.' The data he gathered from the first charging test showed that the BYD battery began charging at a little above 20%, reaching an impressive output of 172 kW, and consistently maintained this up to a 50% charge.

In comparison, the CATL battery, while starting at the same level, experienced a significant drop, managing only around 110 kW at the 50% mark. The BYD battery’s charging curve descended after the halfway point, converging with the CATL curve at around 90% but never dipping below it.

These preliminary tests point to a promising future for the BYD battery within Tesla’s German Model Y. Once the type approval issue is sorted, further testing will likely bring us a more comprehensive understanding of the BYD battery's true potential. With continuous improvements and cutting-edge advancements, Tesla once again proves its commitment to transforming the electric vehicle landscape.

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A Closer Look at Tesla's Ambient Lighting Feature in the New Model 3 and Cybertruck [Video]

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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If you look up ambient lights for Tesla, you'll see several ads for third-party light kits. Perhaps this is why Tesla added its own Ambient Lights feature to the new Model 3. So, let's get enlightened.

Tesla's ambient lights are thin light strips that are embedded in each of the vehicle's doors near the top edge. It also curves around the dashboard near the windshield, giving passengers a near 360-degree light effect.

Supported Models

Tesla new ambient light feature is available on the new Model 3 (2024+), and will be available on the Cybertruck in a similar manner. With a refresh ongoing for the Model Y, known as Juniper, it will likely also have ambient lights. That just leaves out the most luxurious flagship vehicles, the Model S and X, for now.

The Model S and Model X could be due for a minor refresh that would not only add ambient lighting, but also include a front-bumper camera that the Cybertruck has and the new Model 3 is expected to have in the near future.

Customization

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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The ambient light settings allow you to light up the interior in a color that reflects your mood or preference. Under Controls > Lights > Accent Lights, you are handed the freedom to choose virtually any color to adorn the interior of your Tesla.

You have control over whether the ambient lights are on, off, or set to an "Auto" setting, though not fully clarified, seems to promise intelligent lighting adjustments akin to our control over dome lights, offering a reduction in reflections during drives.

While the ability to control the brightness level seems missing, Tesla did include color presets, letting you curate a series of your favorite colors.

It should be noted that the changes are confined to the light strips on the doors and dash, steering clear of the footwell lights and other interior lighting.

Future Enhancements

With Tesla, we can be assured there will be enhancements to this feature in a future update. In fact, the Tesla community is already busy coming up with useful suggestions. Some owners thought Tesla should take advantage of the lighting to provide driver feedback, such as automatically changing the ambient lighting to a red hue when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. Tesla could also glow the light strip on a door if it's not closed properly, or use the lighting to provide feedback when Sentry Mode is enabled.

Other uses could be more fun, such as cycling the light through various colors when the 'Rainbow Road' easter egg is activated.

Ambient Lighting in Action

While the possibilities are endless and Tesla engineers will surely have fun coming up with creative uses for the feature, the biggest improvement we can hope for in the near future is the ability to adjust the light intensity.

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Tesla Model 3 'Highland' Performance Details Discovered in European Documents

Tesla's new Model 3 received a host of exterior and interior upgrades

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Tesla outdid itself with the refreshed Model 3, known as the Highland. Despite all the fantastic upgrades, something is missing - the Performance version or perhaps the Plaid. The letter "T" has shown up on vehicle certificates in Europe, and despite Elon Musk's sense of humor, it is unlikely this is a Mr. T reference.

Deciphering the 'T'

A new document shows the new Model 3 Performance will have a dual motor

eivissacopter / X

Diligent scrutiny of the European Type Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW and shared on the TFF Forum, revealed a subtle yet pivotal alteration — including the letter 'T' in the eighth digit of the Model 3 Performance's VIN.

This seemingly minor detail, indicative of the vehicle's motor/drive unit type, sparked curiosity and speculation on the forum. Could it be a tri-motor setup to usher in a new Plaid version of the Model 3? This vehicle has already got endless amounts of zip, but three motors? May The Schwartz Be With You!

This could also explain the Model 3+ badging that was spotted during the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China inspection of the refresh. However, the regulatory filings highlighted just two distinct variants of the car: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 194 kW motor and an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that combines to deliver a formidable 331 kW of maximum power.

Initial conjectures leaned towards the possibility of a tri-motor setup, drawing parallels with the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. However, a deeper dive into the certification document clarified that the Model 3 Performance retained its Dual Motor setup, dispelling the possibility of a tri-motor upgrade.

Strategic Enhancements: A Glimpse into Potential Upgrades

Given the documented specifications, it becomes plausible that Tesla has strategically enhanced one of the dual motors, potentially aligning it with the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This modification is poised to augment the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3 Performance, addressing its comparative limitations in extended races against traditional gas-powered supercars.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 refresh has become the new Bigfoot of the roads of North America, with rare sightings posted on social media. However, it appears the continent is excluded from the initial launch of the Model 3 Highland. Internal communications within Tesla suggest North American enthusiasts might have to exercise patience until 2024.

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