A European electric vehicle battery repair shop is warning that certain Chinese packs in popular Tesla models do not hold up to the rigors of use.
What is going on?
EV Clinic reported that Model 3 and Y vehicles with LG NCM811 batteries from the LGES Nanjing factory “show extremely high failure rates.” She noted that while cells made in China are often considered “the best,” this assertion “has never been confirmed in real-world practice.”
Compare the batteries to the American Panasonic NCA packs, which last noticeably longer and even start their lifespan on a better footing. EV Clinic said most of the LG models it tested had multiple cell failures that could not be repaired. This happens in about 250,000 kilometers (155,343 miles) of use. The Panasonic models featured single cell failures that could be repaired after 400,000 km (248,548 mi).
“For reference, a healthy Panasonic cell typically shows ~10 megaohms, while a new LG Nanjing cell starts around 28 mΩ. A failing Panasonic cell reaches ~28 mΩ, which is what LG cells measure when they’re brand new,” EV Clinic stated.
In a conversation on social platform X about the news, users asked if the “bad” batteries were in their EVs and how many makes and models were affected. The part number in question is 17000012-00-B.
The company added that it had tested more than 40 units in three stores and that because the first package produced by Tesla was such a “disaster”, the “failure rate will be even more present” during the next two years.
Why is this important?
This is, of course, unwanted information for people who own EVs with LG batteries. It may also give potential buyers pause, even though EVs save drivers money by eliminating the cost of gas and reducing maintenance requirements. While EVs have battery warranties, no one wants to go through the hassle of replacing such an important component relatively soon after purchasing a vehicle.
LG, which is based in South Korea, has a history of similar problems as well. In 2021, it had to pay General Motors $1.9 billion for defective batteries in the Chevrolet Bolt. This year, half a million stoves were recalled, also due to fire risk.
What is being done about these batteries?
In its report, the Croatia-based EV Clinic said the best lithium-ion cells are made in the United States and Europe, naming Panasonic, LG Chem, and Samsung SDI. Note that customers can get a repair check for 1,200 euros ($1,412), while a repair would cost 5,500 euros ($6,473). He recommended the exchange in a used Panasonic battery as the best solution for a defective package, which costs 8,000 euros ($9,415).
On X, many people implored the institute for details, with one asking: “How can you put a bomb like this and not explain with extreme precision which cars are concerned (model, version, year and make)? Every 3/Y long range and perf owners are now worried and don’t even know which battery pack they have. Please help us understand.”
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Someone else pointed out that Chinese batteries bring to mind domestic manufacturers like CATL and BYD rather than LG. “The BYD Blade battery packs proved to be superior in the Model Ys made by Giga Berlin,” they wrote.
Another X user wrote: “People will blame LG when it’s Tesla that deserves the hate. They know exactly what they’re ordering. If Apple had failure rates or lower quality like this, they’d cut it almost immediately.”
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