Just to share:
Sure there are promising "press releases" and credible papers that newer chemistries will have nearly infinite service life. But that requires production cells in an EV we can buy which was not Tesla in 2019. This is the second traction battery I've ever bought.
I had a 2003 Prius with the first prismatic, NiMH battery cells. Sad to say, there were latent mechanical and thermal weaknesses. Around 2007, I bought a $1,700 pack populated with salvaged, next generation cells that had lower internal cell resistance and improved terminals. That car went 175,000 miles and the pack was still good. Unlike NMC chemistry, NiMH does not lose capacity as long as the cells remain gas-tight and temperatures kept cool.
My replacement battery pack will have the last 2170 cells that Tesla/Panasonic make so all of the "lessons learned" from 6 years will be in them. Furthermore, battery cell materials have had a significant price reduction. Finally, because Tesla is replacing the battery, they are not charging the catalog "profit" on top.
If today's EVs follow the pattern seen in the Prius, a small cottage industry will arise as enthusiasts will buy new cells and rebuild "end of life" battery packs. This is not trivial but neither was rebuilding my 1500 cc VW engine in 1973.
Bob Wilson
- 140 mi / 80% = 175 mi :: maximum range at 100% SOC
- $9,278.38 parts and labor :: Tesla catalog price $11,250.00 for part
- Scheduled Monday, May 5 but checking into motel room instead of waiting room
- Additional solar battery storage for 30% tax credit next year
Sure there are promising "press releases" and credible papers that newer chemistries will have nearly infinite service life. But that requires production cells in an EV we can buy which was not Tesla in 2019. This is the second traction battery I've ever bought.
I had a 2003 Prius with the first prismatic, NiMH battery cells. Sad to say, there were latent mechanical and thermal weaknesses. Around 2007, I bought a $1,700 pack populated with salvaged, next generation cells that had lower internal cell resistance and improved terminals. That car went 175,000 miles and the pack was still good. Unlike NMC chemistry, NiMH does not lose capacity as long as the cells remain gas-tight and temperatures kept cool.
My replacement battery pack will have the last 2170 cells that Tesla/Panasonic make so all of the "lessons learned" from 6 years will be in them. Furthermore, battery cell materials have had a significant price reduction. Finally, because Tesla is replacing the battery, they are not charging the catalog "profit" on top.
If today's EVs follow the pattern seen in the Prius, a small cottage industry will arise as enthusiasts will buy new cells and rebuild "end of life" battery packs. This is not trivial but neither was rebuilding my 1500 cc VW engine in 1973.
Bob Wilson