# Tesla, Inc. ![rw-book-cover](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Gigafactory_Texas_Building_1_June_2022.jpg/1200px-Gigafactory_Texas_Building_1_June_2022.jpg) ## Metadata - Author: [[wikipedia.org]] - Full Title: Tesla, Inc. - Category: #articles - URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc. ## Highlights - Tesla was the first automaker to use cylindrical, [lithium-ion battery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery) cells. When it built the [first generation Roadster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster_(first_generation)), it used off-the-shelf 18650-type (18 mm diameter, 65 mm height) cylindrical batteries that were already used for other consumer electronics. The cells provided an engineering challenge because each has a relatively low capacity, so thousands needed to be bundled together in a battery pack. Electrical and thermal management also proved to be a challenge, requiring liquid cooling and an [intumescent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intumescent) fire prevention chemical.[[158]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-gcr2013-06-159) However, the decision proved to be pragmatic because there was already a mature manufacturing process that could produce a high volume of the cells at a consistent quality. Although the 18650-type cells are the oldest technology, they are used in the Model S and X vehicles. Tesla sources these batteries with a [nickel-cobalt-aluminum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_nickel_cobalt_aluminium_oxides) (NCA) cathode chemistry from Panasonic's factories in Japan ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hh3nd172nje7zxkkabttstjw)) - Tesla's latest cylindrical cell design is the 4680-type (46 mm diameter, 80 mm height) introduced in 2021. The battery was developed in-house by Tesla and is physically 5-times bigger than the 2170-type, again allowing for a higher capacity per cell and a lower number of cells per battery pack.[[162]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-163)[[163]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-164) Currently, Tesla builds the 4680 cells itself and has not disclosed the cathode chemistry. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hh3ne9eqk7yeq9b4krajgsnb)) - Tesla makes two kinds of electric motors. Its oldest design in production is a [three-phase](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-phase_electric_power) four-pole alternating current [induction motor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_motor) (asynchronous motor) with a copper [rotor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotor_(electric))[[181]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-182) (which inspired the Tesla logo). These motors use [electromagnetic induction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_induction), by varying magnetic field to produce torque. Induction motors are used as the rear motor in the Model S and Model X, as the front motor in the Model 3 and Model Y and were used in the first-generation Roadster. Newer, higher efficiency [permanent magnet motors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_magnet_motor) have been in use since the introduction of the Model 3 in 2017. They are currently used as the rear motor in the Model 3 and Model Y, the front motor of 2019-onward versions of the Model S and X, and are expected to be used in the Tesla Semi.[[182]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-183) The permanent magnet motors are more efficient, especially in stop-start driving ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hh3nhvjgcqfys0ty4re3c4nj)) - Tesla's approach to achieve full autonomy is different from that of other companies.[[206]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-Shahan-2019-207) Whereas [Waymo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waymo), [Cruise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_(autonomous_vehicle)), and other companies are relying on highly detailed (centimeter-scale) three-dimensional maps, [lidar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidar), and cameras, as well as [radar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar) and ultrasonic sensors in their autonomous vehicles, Tesla's approach is to use coarse-grained two-dimensional maps and cameras (no lidar) as well as radar and ultrasonic sensors.[[206]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-Shahan-2019-207)[[207]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.#cite_note-208) Tesla claims that although its approach is much more difficult, it will ultimately be more useful, because its vehicles will be able to self-drive without geofencing concerns ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hh3nnwkhd724g0mbmpbm40z9))