Tesla Model Y Switches to In-House 4680L Battery: Slightly Lower Range, Much Faster Charging

Tesla has recently launched a new rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant of the Model Y, equipped with its self-developed second-generation 4680L battery pack, replacing the previous LG Chem 5M cells. The new battery’s total capacity has decreased from 83 kWh to 74 kWh, resulting in a slight reduction in WLTP-rated range—from 622 km to 603 km. Despite the modest drop in range, the 4680L cells feature a full-tab design and dry-electrode technology, offering five times the cell capacity and 90% lower internal resistance compared to previous cells. This enables ultra-fast charging at up to 500 kW, adding approximately 400 km of range in just 10 minutes. In terms of specifications, the Premium variant no longer offers the 20-inch wheel as an option and now comes standard with 19-inch wheels, maintaining the same 603 km WLTP range. Deliveries of the new model are expected between May and June 2026, and Tesla’s European website has already been updated with the new pricing and specifications.