Battery Degradation Characteristics by Tesla Model Y Specification



In this article, we will focus solely on battery degradation, among the various factors that affect EV performance. Please note that the following analysis is based on manufacturer specifications, and actual degradation can vary significantly depending on driving habits and battery management practices.

Tesla Model Y Specifications

When developing a Battery Management System (BMS), key parameters such as battery type, battery capacity, and maximum motor power are critical for estimating the State of Power (SOP). SOP predictions are typically used to manage high-speed charging, regenerative braking, and rapid acceleration.





Model	Battery Type	Battery Capacity (kWh)	Max Motor Output (kW)	Peak C-rate
RWD	LFP	59.68	220	3.69
Long Range	NCM	81.56	250	3.07
Performance	NCM	81.56	393	4.82

For accurate analysis, we would ideally need the full technical specifications of the battery and the detailed SOP algorithm applied to each vehicle. However, since only the peak output values are publicly available—and specific information such as how long the output can be sustained is not disclosed—this explanation will be based on general battery characteristics and peak output ratings.

LFP batteries typically support high peak C-rates, around 3.7C, which is considered quite robust. In contrast, the Long Range model, despite using an NCM battery, has a relatively lower peak C-rate of 3.0C.

It is true that LFP batteries tend to have longer cycle life under 1C conditions, but in real-world driving, usage exceeding 1C is quite common. Therefore, automakers generally do not expect LFP batteries to significantly outlast NCM batteries in practical use.

As a result, manufacturers usually design both LFP and NCM systems to degrade at similar rates, and consumers should also avoid overestimating the lifespan advantage of one battery chemistry over the other.

While some automakers claim to offer very high mileage guarantees for LFP-based vehicles, these are likely special cases that involve lower motor outputs, limited usable SOC ranges, or conservatively tuned operating conditions. Therefore, such claims are not directly comparable to typical configurations.

In conclusion, fast charging is something most users tend to manage carefully. However, regenerative braking and rapid acceleration are highly dependent on individual driving habits. Considering this, the Long Range model—with its more conservative output settings and larger battery capacity—is likely more favorable in terms of long-term battery degradation.

From a design perspective, although the RWD and Performance models use different battery types and have different power outputs, it's likely that Tesla engineered them to achieve comparable lifespan and degradation characteristics.