Tesla Model Y equipped with BYD 55-kWh battery reportedly receives EU approval

A new, entry-level version of the Tesla Model Y all-electric compact crossover equipped with BYD batteries is reportedly all set to enter Europe following approval from the European Union authorities. As per emerging German media reports, the BYD-powered new entry-level Tesla Model Y will come equipped with a 55-kWh structural battery pack.

The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), which is responsible for making road transport in the country as safe and well-regulated as possible, reportedly revealed some documents, showing EU approval for the new BYD-powered Tesla Model Y. Referred to as “Type 005” (internally as “Y7CR” variant), the new EV is expected to be capable of running up to 440 km (roughly 273 miles) on a single charge. Its energy consumption has been pegged at 15.5 kWh/100 km (155 Wh/km or 249 Wh/mile) on the combined test cycle (most probably WLTP).

As mentioned above, the battery pack of the new Tesla Model Y electric compact crossover is a “structural,” but it remains unknown whether it’s all BYD tech (cells and pack) or BYD’s cells in Tesla’s in-house battery pack. However, we can easily assume that the new EV will be a huge success as the China-based BYD’s recently introduced BYD Seal electric car equipped with CTB (cell-to-body) structural battery system was praised for its battery potential.

In weight, the new Tesla Model Y compact crossover is said to be 2,087 kg, nearly 66 kg less than the previous Model Y version equipped with a 60-kWh LFP battery that was certified in summer 2021. It is also worth-mentioning here that the Made-in-China CATL-powered Tesla Model 3 electric sedan equipped with a 60-kWh LFP battery pack offers a range of 455 km (283 miles) between two charges.

Over the recent past months, internet was awash with rumors related to American electric car pioneer Tesla’s partnership with BYD. Earlier this week, media outlets reported that BYD has started supplying Tesla with its so-called Blade batteries for the Tesla Model Y. Such models are reportedly all set to enter production in Germany in August or September this year. In case, the BYD-powered Tesla Model Y enters production at the Grünheide, Germany-based Tesla Giga Berlin-Brandenburg manufacturing plant; it would be produced alongside Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD and Performance versions that currently come equipped with LG Energy Solution’s 2170-type cylindrical battery cells. For the long term, Tesla has plans to equip these models with 4680-type battery cells.