New nickel battery will allow Tesla drivers to charge up to 90% safely

A new nickel battery upgrade will soon let Tesla drivers charge their cars to 90 percent for daily use without reducing the lifespan of the battery pack.

The announcement comes from Tesla’s chief engineer Lars Moravy, who confirmed that the chemistry improvements allow for a safer and more durable state of charge.

Currently, Tesla’s guidance for nickel-based batteries discourages keeping the pack near maximum capacity for long periods, as it can accelerate degradation.

The new technology is set to give drivers more usable range in everyday driving without the usual trade-offs.

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Why charging habits matter for nickel batteries

Almost all of the Tesla vehicles sold in the United States today use nickel-based batteries.

These cells offer higher energy density and stronger performance than alternatives, but require stricter management of charging habits.

Owners are usually advised to charge only to around 80 percent for daily driving, reserving 100 percent charges for longer trips where the energy will be used soon after charging.

By enabling safe charging up to 90 percent, the new nickel battery design effectively adds an extra 10 percent range for regular use.

Investing in battery technology is a common way to deal with range anxiety, which is a big concern for people looking into buying EVs.

Battery chemistry is the key factor here.

Nickel cells deliver impressive energy storage in a compact form, but they are sensitive to being kept at high charge levels.

Over time, this can shorten battery life.

That’s why Tesla includes charging limiters in its software, along with features such as ‘Departure Time‘, which ensures the battery only reaches full charge right before a trip.

With the updated chemistry, Tesla drivers can enjoy greater flexibility and convenience without worrying about long-term effects on the pack.

What the upgrade means for Tesla drivers in the US

The situation is different for Tesla’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are widely used in other markets.

LFP cells are less energy dense but more stable, allowing them to be charged to 100 percent regularly with minimal impact on lifespan.

They are so stable that LFP batteries can easily outlive an average gas car, according to a recent study.

Tesla itself recommends weekly full charges for vehicles with LFP packs to maintain accurate range readings.

However, Tesla no longer sells LFP-equipped vehicles in the US, largely due to sourcing issues and tariffs on imports from China, where most of these cells are produced.

For now, American Tesla buyers only have nickel-based options.

This makes the new nickel battery particularly important in the US, where everyday charging up to 90 percent will offer more range and convenience.

The upgrade reflects Tesla’s ongoing effort to improve battery performance while addressing one of the key concerns of electric vehicle ownership: longevity.

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