Tesla is considering supplying products built in China with so-called LFP batteries, or batteries without cobalt.
According to Reuters, Tesla is at an “advanced stage” with discussions with a supplier of such batteries. Battery builder CATL, fully Contemporary Amperex Technology, abstains from commenting just like Tesla. If the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are indeed there, Tesla is also a true pioneer in that area.
The fact that the LFP batteries are not yet being used is said to be due to the fact that they can retain less energy than the NCA variant of the Lithium-ion battery that has been used so far. However, the cobalt that is incorporated into it is not only very expensive, but is also regularly discredited because of the questionable methods used to obtain the substance.
Since December, Tesla has been supplying a locally-built Model 3 in China. That car would be the first to receive the new battery, but use in other models and countries cannot of course be ruled out.