Tesla is preparing to introduce an updated nickel-based battery cell that allows owners to raise their daily charging limit without sacrificing longevity. The company’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, revealed in a recent interview that the new chemistry enables drivers to set their charge cap at 90 percent—an increase from the current recommendation of 80 percent.
Moravy explained that the development “closes the gap to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) by half,” a notable advance for Tesla’s nickel-based cells, which have traditionally required stricter charging practices to preserve long-term performance.
“We have some new battery cell technology that is coming out shortly, where we’ve closed the gap to lithium iron phosphate by like half, and that means when you’re charging to 80 [%], maybe now you’re at 90 [%], which is super great,” Moravy said in a new episode of Jay Leno’s Garage released on Monday.
NEWS: Tesla will soon release new nickel-based battery cell technology that lets owners keep their daily charge limit at 90% (up from the current 80% recommendation) without significantly reducing battery longevity.
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 1, 2025
"We've closed the gap to LFP by half," says Lars Moravy
via… pic.twitter.com/grjgbugsKg
Nickel-Based vs. LFP Batteries
For years, Tesla has deployed two main types of batteries across its global lineup: nickel-based chemistries such as nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), and the increasingly popular lithium iron phosphate (LFP).
Nickel-based cells are prized for their higher energy density, which translates into longer driving range and stronger performance. However, this density comes at a cost. To avoid premature capacity loss, Tesla advises most nickel-based battery owners to charge only up to 80 percent on a daily basis, reserving full 100 percent charges for longer trips.
LFP batteries, by contrast, offer a more durable chemistry that is less prone to degradation from high states of charge. As a result, Tesla recommends that LFP-equipped vehicles—such as the base Model 3 and Model Y in many markets—can be charged to 100 percent every day without worry.
The trade-off is lower energy density, meaning slightly less range for a pack of comparable size.
Implications for Tesla’s Lineup
The change could have far-reaching effects across Tesla’s product range. Vehicles that rely on nickel-based packs may see their usable daily range expand by tens of kilometers, while still retaining the long-distance performance that makes them attractive to buyers. For prospective customers weighing the choice between LFP-equipped entry models and nickel-based long-range versions, the charging habits required may soon feel less restrictive.
Tesla has not specified when the new cells will begin appearing in vehicles, but the announcement reflects the company’s ongoing effort to improve the balance between range, performance, and durability.
