Tesla Reveals Shocking Battery Info: Are Chinese Batteries Behind the Latest EV-related Fires?

Tesla reveals battery manufacturers
Criticism arises as response delays
Some vehicles equipped with Chinese batteries

The social fallout from the August 1 fire involving a Mercedes-Benz EQE EV in an apartment complex in Cheongna-dong, Incheon, South Korea, continues to be significant. Consumer concerns about the safety of electric cars are growing, putting pressure on the South Korean government to act.

The South Korean government is evaluating new measures to address these concerns. They are considering strategies to prevent EVs from overcharging and are exploring options to relocate EV charging and parking facilities to above-ground locations. On August 13, the government recommended that automakers disclose the manufacturers of their EV batteries.

Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are equipped with Chinese CATL batteries

Following this, on Friday, Tesla Korea, which had previously postponed revealing its battery supplier, disclosed the information through data submitted to South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. According to the Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturer status on the Ministry’s Automobile Recall Center website, some of Tesla’s leading models, including the Model Y and Model 3, use batteries manufactured by China’s CATL.

In addition to CATL batteries, Tesla’s vehicles use batteries from South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and Japan’s Panasonic. Notably, only Panasonic batteries are used in the Model X and Model S. With rising consumer concerns about Chinese batteries, the revelation that Tesla vehicles also include CATL batteries is likely to have a significant impact.

Other companies have already disclosed
Tesla’s belated response draws criticism

The battery installed in the Mercedes EQE 350+ that caught fire came from China’s Farasis. As consumer concerns about Chinese batteries escalate, this incident will likely impact perceptions of Tesla’s vehicles as well. Criticism of Tesla’s delayed disclosure of battery manufacturers persists. The South Korean government recommended disclosing battery manufacturers on August 13.

Before this recommendation, on August 9, Hyundai Motor Company was the first Korean automaker to release battery information. Kia and BMW Korea followed on August 12. Subsequently, KG Mobility and Mercedes-Benz Korea also disclosed their battery information. Currently, 12 major automakers, excluding Tesla Korea, have shared details about their battery suppliers.

Controversy over the Chinese-made Model Y resurfaces
Model Y contains over 95% Chinese components

Tesla Korea also revealed its battery manufacturer on Friday. However, the company faced criticism for its response compared to other automakers. Before the disclosure, Tesla’s approach drew scrutiny, particularly after the company sent an email on Thursday titled “Tesla Designs Vehicles with Safety as Its Top Priority.” This message came just before the battery information was made public.

This mail includes the following message: “In addition to the basic vehicle limited warranty that applies to all new vehicles, Tesla provides a separate limited warranty for batteries and drivetrains.” As consumer complaints did not subside even after the email was sent, criticism was raised that the company was responding too late.

Meanwhile, the controversy over the Chinese-made Model Y has also been rekindled along with this incident. Since September 2023, in South Korea, Tesla has been selling the Model Y RWD produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory in China. Consumer wariness is also growing as the use of Chinese-made parts in the Model Y produced at the Shanghai factory exceeds 95%.