Tesla vs BYD: Who Has the Better Battery?

The scientists at RWTH Aachen University had a simple yet ingenious idea—take apart two of the world’s most widely used EV batteries, Tesla’s and BYD’s, rip them down to their very core, and see who does it better. The result? Tesla is all about maximum power, while BYD prioritizes practicality and safety.

Tesla’s 4680 cell is like an F1 engine loaded with energy drinks—241 Wh/kg means it’s light, compact, and packed with insane performance. But that comes at a cost—higher price, more heat generation, and a nickel-rich cathode that’s not exactly easy on the wallet.

BYD’s Blade battery, on the other hand, plays a different game. At 160 Wh/kg, it’s not trying to outgun Tesla in sheer speed, but it’s thermally stable, safer, and significantly cheaper. If Tesla’s battery is a laser-welded power bomb, then BYD’s Z-stacked design makes it a fortress of mechanical durability.

And then came the shocker—neither battery contains silicon. A Tesla battery without silicon? That’s like a Ferrari without noise or glamour—completely unexpected.

So, what’s the verdict? There is no outright winner. If you want warp-speed acceleration and maximum range, go for Tesla’s 4680. If you prefer a budget-friendly, reliable, and safer option, BYD’s Blade is your best bet. One is the supercar of the EV world, the other a rugged and dependable workhorse.