CATL LFP Prismatic · Generation 1

CATL 6C

6C[1][3]

Tesla's first LFP pack: 106 prismatic CATL cells in a single series string.

LFPPrismaticNov 2020 – Dec 2021Community

Gross capacity: 55 kWh; conflicting reports
Usable capacity: 52.5 kWh
Cells: 106
Pack mass: Unknown

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Pack · top view

4 modules

Cell supplier: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited
Cell: CATL LFP prismatic 161 Ah
Vehicles: Model 3
Built at: Shanghai

After Chinese regulators approved an LFP version of the Model 3 in June 2020, Giga Shanghai began building the Standard Range Plus with CATL lithium iron phosphate cells. The pack replaces thousands of cylindrical cells with 106 large prismatic cells, all wired in series (106s1p).

A teardown-based analysis identifies the cell as CATL's 161 Ah BTF0, grouped into four modules. EV Database lists 55 kWh nominal and 52.5 kWh usable. The Akkuwiki notes a software limit and lists 54.4 kWh.

Specifications

Pack data, value by value

Manufacturer-confirmed
Documented
Community-reported
Estimated

Every value shows its evidence level and sources. “Unknown” means no source we trust has published it. We never fill gaps with assumptions.

Gross capacity: 2 reported valuesspread 0.6 kWh · 1.1%

54.4

Filled dot: the value shown as primary (the most specific source for this pack). Rings: other reported values. Differences often come from different definitions of gross capacity.

Gross capacityTotal energy incl. bottom buffer: 55 kWhCommunity[1]
Other reported values:
54.4 kWh[3]Akkuwiki figure; notes a software limit.
Usable capacityEnergy available 100% → 0%: 52.5 kWhCommunity[1]
Chemistry: LFPDocumented[1][5]
Cell format: prismaticDocumented[1]
Cell supplier: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. LimitedDocumented[1][4]
Cell count: 106Documented[1][2]
ConfigurationSeries × parallel: 106s1pDocumented[1]
Modules: 4Community[2]
Nominal voltage: 339 VEstimated[2]
Calculated: 106 cells × 3.2 V.
Architecture: Unknown
Pack mass: Unknown
Energy densityPack level: Unknown
Requires both pack mass and capacity.
Structural pack: NoEstimated
Peak DC charging: Unknown

The cell

CATL LFP prismatic 161 Ah

The first CATL LFP cell used by Tesla. One hundred and six of them sit in series in the 55 kWh 6C pack.

Cell data

Dimensions: Unknown
Tesla-specific cell dimensions not published.
Capacity: 161 AhCommunity[2]
Teardown-based analysis identifies the cell as CATL 161 Ah (BTF0).
Nominal voltage: 3.2 VCommunity[2]
Energy per cell: Unknown
Chemistry: LFPDocumented[1]

Capacity in context

Gross capacity of every documented pack. Hatched bars are disputed ranges; packs with unknown capacity are omitted.

Applications

Where this pack is installed

Each row is a documented link between this pack and a vehicle variant, with its factory, period and evidence. A variant may also appear with other packs.

Model 3 Open in finder

Variant	Period	Factory	Market	Code	Evidence
Standard Range PlusModel 3 (2017–2023)	Nov 2020 – Dec 2021	Shanghai	Not market-specific	E6CR	Community[1]

Supply chain

CATL · plant not disclosedplant undisclosedGigafactory ShanghaicellsDocumented[4][5][1]

View on the global map

Performance

Charging, advantages and tradeoffs

Peak DC charging

Unknown

No verified charging curve for this pack is in the database yet. Curves vary with temperature, state of charge and software, so we only publish curves backed by repeatable measurements.

Advantages

Cobalt-free chemistry at lower cost than nickel-based cells. [5]

Tradeoffs

Lower energy density than nickel-based chemistries. [5]

Identification

How to tell if your car has it

Controls › Software › Additional Vehicle Information shows 'High Voltage Battery type: Lithium Iron Phosphate' on LFP cars.
European cars: variant field (D.2) E6R or E6CR.
The part number on the high-voltage battery label and Tesla service records are definitive. A VIN alone does not encode the cell supplier or pack code.

History

Lineage in the CATL LFP Prismatic family

Large prismatic lithium iron phosphate cells from CATL, wired in series into a single string. Used in rear-wheel-drive Model 3 and Model Y since late 2020.

Jul 2020Documented[4]
CATL begins LFP cell supply
CATL starts delivering LFP cells for the China-built Model 3.
Nov 2020Community[1]
First LFP Model 3 (CATL 6C)
Shanghai builds the Standard Range Plus with 106 prismatic CATL cells in a single series string.

Related packs

Panasonic 1C vsCATL 6L vs

Sources

6 references

[1]
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (CATL 6C)
EV DatabasedatabaseConsulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
[2]
Tesla LFP Model 3
Battery DesignanalysisConsulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
Teardown-based analysis of the CATL LFP pack.
[3]
[Wiki] Akkuwiki – Model 3 / Y / S / X / CT
TFF Forum (Tesla Fahrer & Freunde)communityConsulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
Primary community reference for Model 3/Y pack codes. Used as a research reference only; its tables are not reproduced. Direct access was unavailable during compilation.
[4]
CATL to kick-off LFP cell supply for Tesla China Model 3
electrive.compressPublished 20 Jul 2020Consulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
[5]
Tesla secures approval for Model 3 with cheaper lithium iron phosphate batteries
ElectrekpressPublished 11 Jun 2020Consulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
[6]
Tesla Batteries: What Kind of Battery Does My Tesla Have?
Find My ElectricpressConsulted 28 Oct 2026Pending direct review
Describes the 'High Voltage Battery type' line under Controls › Software › Additional Vehicle Information.