BYD to supply batteries to Tesla ‘soon’ – report

It seems BYD There will not be only one competitor TeslaBut one of its suppliers.

According to ReutersLian Yubo, a BYD executive vice president and former head of the company’s engineering, told CGTN, China’s state-run English-language TV news network: “We are now good friends with Elon Musk because we are preparing to supply batteries to Tesla soon. ”

No company has confirmed the executive’s comment, and it’s not clear when BYD’s batteries will start showing Tesla vehicles.

It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.

Currently the only global supplier of LFP batteries is the Chinese battery rival CATL. Tesla is currently installing LFP batteries on Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers built at its Shanghai factory.

The Tesla Australian Arm originates the Model 3 from Shanghai, and will do the same for the Model Y, which has not yet been found locally but was recently spotted behind a car carrier in Victoria.

LFP batteries are cheaper to manufacture, safer and reduce the use of rare earth metals such as nickel and cobalt.

LFP battery packs, on the other hand, have lower power concentrations than nickel-based lithium-ion units installed on built-in-USA Tesla models.

BYD’s Blade LFP batteries are currently installed in the company’s own Han electric sedan and Tang crossover.

Although a number of BYD’s early vehicles gained notoriety for their Toyota-inspired design, the company now has partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.

BYD recently announced that it has stopped production of non-electrified vehicles, focusing only on plug-in hybrids and EVs.

Local BYD importers expect to have 20 dealers nationwide by 2024 and upgrade its EV lineup to eight vehicles.

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