Urgent Alert: Tesla Owners Face Battery Life Risks with LG Cells
URGENT UPDATE: Tesla owners with vehicles equipped with LG battery cells produced in China face alarming battery life risks. New analyses reveal these cells age a staggering 40% faster than Panasonic’s batteries, raising significant durability concerns for drivers of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Experts at the renowned Croatian workshop EV Clinic are sounding the alarm over the NCM811 nickel-manganese-cobalt cells. Their findings indicate that LG’s batteries, particularly those used in the popular long-range models, may reach the end of their service life after just 240,000 kilometers, compared to Panasonic’s packs, which can endure up to 400,000 kilometers.
This shocking difference not only impacts performance but also poses serious financial implications for owners. Technicians report that the internal resistance of LG cells often exceeds safe levels right from delivery, with some testing over 100 milliohms—well above the acceptable threshold of 28 milliohms for new batteries. This degradation leads to rapid overheating and failure, making repairs virtually impossible.
The financial strain is already affecting specialized repair shops. EV Clinic reports losses exceeding €20,000 monthly due to the high number of irreparable LG battery diagnostics. The extensive labor to dismantle glued battery packs, assess thousands of individual cells, and manage the repair process has compelled the clinic to implement a new fee structure for preliminary assessments.
For many Tesla owners facing battery issues, the only option may be a costly complete replacement directly from Tesla, often amounting to a five-figure sum outside of warranty coverage. Alternatively, some have turned to the secondary market for used Panasonic battery packs, which may offer a more reliable solution.
As this situation unfolds, Tesla owners are urged to monitor their vehicle’s battery performance closely. The implications of these findings are profound, not just for individual drivers but for the broader electric vehicle market as it grapples with battery reliability and longevity.
Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue affecting Tesla drivers across Europe and beyond.
