URGENT UPDATE: Tesla owners with LG battery cells produced in China are facing alarming news—these batteries may age up to 40% faster than their Panasonic counterparts. The renowned Croatian workshop, EV Clinic, has raised serious concerns regarding the durability of the NCM811 batteries used in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, revealing significant quality issues that could affect performance and longevity.
According to the latest analysis, the nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries (NCM) from LG Energy Solution exhibit a much higher failure rate compared to Panasonic’s nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cells. The workshop’s technicians have flagged that these LG cells might reach their end of service life at around 240,000 kilometers, while Panasonic batteries can often achieve mileages of up to 400,000 kilometers before significant defects appear.
The implications for Tesla owners are immediate and concerning. Affected customers may face costly battery replacements, which can run into five figures outside of warranty. As a result, EV Clinic reports losses exceeding €20,000 monthly due to the inability to repair these failing batteries. The workshop has now implemented a special fee to assess the feasibility of repairs, which often reveal that these batteries are irreparable.
The internal resistance of the LG cells, which can exceed 100 milliohms, severely impacts their performance. This means that under load, they heat up more, leading to a faster decline in functionality. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that repairs are deemed “operationally unsustainable.” Unlike Panasonic packs, where defects can be isolated and repaired, LG cells exhibit uniform degradation, complicating any attempt at fixing them.
As Tesla continues to expand its market presence, particularly in Europe, the reliance on these LG battery cells has become a critical concern. Consumers must stay aware of the potential risks associated with their vehicles and consider alternatives, such as switching to used Panasonic packs from the secondary market.
In light of these revelations, owners of Tesla vehicles with LG batteries are urged to monitor their battery performance closely and stay informed about potential replacements. As this story develops, further updates will be necessary for Tesla owners navigating this challenging landscape.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this unfolding situation.
