Model Y E35: Individual Battery Cell Removal and Comparing the MY-M3 Battery Modules

Episode 35: Now that the Model Y battery has returned from being safely discharged, Sandy compares a module from the Model Y to one from the initial Model 3, highlighting changes that have been made along the way. We then witness Sandy getting his hands dirty with the Dremel and chisel, demonstrating what’s involved in removing a single cylindrical cell from a Tesla battery module.
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Intro/Outro:
Music from KZbin Audio Library [Aka YAL]
Music provided by RFM: • Video

[@kenhiett5266]

The improvements of these videos has been noticed and much appreciated. Great content Sandy, we appreciate all the hard work.

[@LogixXtreme]

Can't agree more. And as someone mentioned in a previous video: you can notice throughout this series of videos how Sandy is enjoying the making of these more and more. Hopefully he'll stay enthusiastic throughout the rest of the serie. I get increasingly excited with every video upload by this channel. Great content.

[@MunroLive]

Appreciate the kind words, glad to know the improvements are being noticed! Thanks for tuning in!

[@BillB33525]

@@MunroLive All these improvements kinda makes choosing model "Y" a no brain'r

[@curtisbme]

@@BillB33525 If you mean "no brainer over the 3", the assumption is that that the 3 has the same improvements you are seeing here. They are just looking at a early 3 vs a Y which could be considered a current 3. They both will continue having changes done to reduce costs and fix problems.

[@dangerous_ngga]

@@MunroLive Is it safe ?????😐 .. I think no !!🤔

[@Anthrox]

the Time Lapse is about 30 mins look at the clock behind sandy

[@MunroLive]

Good eye! Thanks for tuning in!

[@alfredogonzalez1280]

I love the time lapse !! You should do those more often. Great show !!!

[@IamBHM]

I was hoping Yakety Sax would start playing. Had to turn it on myself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-rnqahrNZ2ebM

[@TheForrestMaster]

*happy mouse noises*

[@Robbie6298]

Sandy's daily contribution to the entropy of the universe 😂

[@nononsenseBennett]

Every guy's dream job: To learn by taking apart stuff!

[@markbusby1446]

So there was a conspiracy theory the other day when “Andy “ came to blow out the weldings; that he looks suspiciously like Sandy and it’s all just you on your own and there is no company at all... Now the fact that you’re wearing “Andy”’s coat seems to pretty much confirm theory that Sandy is just an automotive Walter Mitty Tesla vivisectionist in his garage alone during the lockdown😂 Seriously Mr Munro, thanks for doing this, it’s really fascinating 👍

[@clivelee4279]

Mr Munro, name on the collar, two pens in the top pocket, that's a proper Old school, working engineers jacket.

[@lylestavast7652]

haven't seen him pull out a slide rule yet. THAT, is old school...

[@MrGonzonator]

One of those "pens" is a telescopic torch pointer, he used it in the previous teardown episode, E33 around 9.20 you'll see him use it then put it back.

[@JakeBiddlecome]

I was just thinking that I need to buy a lab coat to wear around the house. Like a Rick style long lab coat.

[@Thebigboram]

He should have a pocket protector in the pocket for pen leaks...

[@altonriggs2352]

No slide rule....

[@TheMrVallex]

Your uploads always perfectly hit my lunch time

[@glubux]

You really should have seen my face when you lit up that torch...

[@johnbuchman4854]

What "torch"? You mean Sandy's "Not a flamethrower"?

[@jerrykew]

Walk arounds of modern ice cars with discussion of good and bad with imagery will guarantee breadth to your audience. Model y won’t come along every week but when they do your wider audience will experience it

[@richardalexander5758]

The torch got my attention, lol.

[@markplott4820]

should have used a Boring Machine NOT a Flamethrower to Disassemble battery pack.

[@Neojhun]

"You might get a trickle charge" something tells me that still might hurt, but live to remember it.

[@Poxenium]

you can feel 60 volts, but doesn't hurt you at all. As long as you don't electrocute your pace maker ... 😁👍

[@wileecoyoti]

Had a few rapid charges in my life, thankfully all somehow within spec

[@markplott4820]

Neojihun - I used to have to Change AC 120c Fuses, and sometimes I would get an Electrical Shock, briefly.

[@johnsummers172]

480 will let you know you didn't follow LOTO

[@ipissed]

​@@Poxenium I got 6,000 volts biting into a Certs. It was refreshing.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Really appreciate the deep dive into this, thanks! Also, don't stop, please. The torch thing was great.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Has the Munro styling / merch department been at work? Shirt, shirt collar, hat? Looking sharp! 👍👋👋

[@michaelwoodhams7866]

It's probably been asked many times before, but I'd love to see a quick non-destructive inspection of a recent model 3 to see whether some of the problems with early models have been fixed.

[@40watt_club]

TY for your insights ... for me personally , your competence is amazing . I enjoy every second.

[@bene0237]

I think the difference between the blue and green foam is that the blue one is painted and the green one is casted, take a look at the edges. That makes the blue one way faster to manufacture. Hope to hear your opinion Munro.

[@gfreaq]

The blue stuff isn't actually foam like he says. It's gap filler that has a high thermal conductivity meant to help dissipate the heat from the batteries to the battery module housing. The blue one to me looks like BERGQUIST GAP FILLER TGF 3600. TGF 3600 gap filler is pretty common for batteries. The green color is just a different gap filler. Both should be a form of a liquid before it cures. I agree that the green one looks like it is casted around the edges. The green one most likely has a low viscosity which might be why they have to use a cast to keep it in place like a dam. TGF 3600 is think enough where that doesn't need to be done. The holes that he didn't understand are most likely for outgassing.

[@UTUBESUCK666]

I've seen the interview with Sean Mitchell and it was great!

[@johnmqueripel2367]

For a slightly older guy you can sure move fast if you need to! Great show, keep it up.

[@Alberto-xw8vx]

The thumbnail of Sandy with a blowtorch next to the battery module rocks!!!! Take care Sandy and remember to tip the cashiers!

[@komentierer]

Do you guys also analyze vehicles which are sold in other regions? I'd be really curious about how the VW ID3 compares to Tesla's Model 3 once it goes on sale, that's why I'm asking.

[@MunroLive]

The ID.3 is definitely a teardown we’re considering, thanks for sharing your input and thanks for tuning in!

[@MichaeltheCrank]

@@MunroLive Can we watch the ID.3 teardown also, please?

[@halfbrain86]

@@MunroLive do you also try to reverse engineer and analyse the software part of the cars? Do you have skilled hackers or embedded software engineers for that in your team. I think this might become more and more important in the future.

[@fleurcactus1]

Polestar 2, the Volvo/Geely response to Model3 would be interesting too.

[@MyUniversalUniversity]

I wonder how much has changed in the Model 3!! You just said that as I was typing. I am sure many changes have been implemented. I am sure China has lots of innovation!! As well!!

[@89itis]

When Sandy took apart TM3, he had no idea how quickly he would become part of the Tesla community 😃😃😃

[@FamilyFirstJ]

Nobody tell Sandy when Quarantine is over, this content is amazing!

[@jerrykew]

Sandy. Love it. Tip your cashiers boys and girls. Commercial suggestion for you. Announce you’ll reveal the Oct oval W tear down 12 months after your report is on sale. Drives up the price, generates excitement, and keeps us fans onside. 😷

[@jerrykew]

Octovalve. Bloody autocorrect

[@Xunek.]

I wonder how many of the improvements Sandy found on the model Y over the model 3 he would actually find on a 2020 model 3, too.

[@dbwelder9159]

Sandy, when you were on with Sean Mitchell, you requested new projects. I believe the VW new EVs would be a great breakdown.

[@jimlarsen6782]

Time lapse shows how active you are in your senior prime. As an oldie myself I am wondering which mode of self destruct is worse, being a plump diabetic or sipping a lot of Jim Beam. I took the first route, but I bet you are healthier. Love your knowledge of all things I am curious about.

[@clenndesigns7338]

Really love how passionate you are with engineering!

[@bobrichards6696]

Thanks Sandy, I enjoyed the show. Take care mate 😷👍

[@nycandre]

Great fun as usual - thanks for the show

[@johnpugat8618]

Not every cost reduction is a good thing. Sometimes, overbuilding a thing compensate for what can happen after things have aged specially plastic parts. I’m a MB mechanic and I hate taking apart plastic parts after 3 years or 30,000 miles of use specially if they are part of cooling system. They loose elasticity and we usually replace them when those parts are in the way. Our usual complaint, “ What were the Engineers thinking when they are designing these?”

[@battousaihimura]

Thanks again Sandy

[@danmanfre5209]

Sandy Munro.....a real (hands on) engineer!

[@rcmc7352]

I’m really glad they made the color change.

[@ivankuljismusic8895]

Sandy : 'Hang on to your hats!' Me : 'l am hangin' on Sandy____with you all the way! NOW WE'RE HAVING FUN!'

[@peterstern9467]

One thing that came to mind... for a future vehicle to tear down, I would like to see a tear down of the Ford Mustang Mach E when it becomes available.

[@brenrob7403]

Getting ur hands dirty! Favorite channel on KZbin right now! More timelapses please!

[@thinkabout602]

True on the ground reporting - something that is rare nowadays. 🏆

[@Raylen_Fa-ield]

I love this show! Will you be taking apart the cyber truck when you get it?

[@MunroLive]

Yes.

[@Raylen_Fa-ield]

@@MunroLive my brain tingles just thinking about it

[@marqueswilsonn]

Oh yah. The time lapses of work being done is good stuff. Extra content also.

[@waynewilliamson4212]

I so enjoy these videos....thank you...

[@seasong7655]

It's said Tesla will change the battery type for the chinese models. Maybe you could take a look at them too when they come out.

[@shuashua958]

that was a funny new unapologetic take on click bate. I guess you earned it for creativity.

[@steamtorch]

When I teach welding and strike the pure acetylene flame I say "the flame is useless but very photogenic. It draws photographers like moths to a flame." Does give the video a Red Green Show feel, LOL. Just need to see a roll of duct tape.

[@glenmullet]

Clever video editor puts thumbnail of Sandy with blowtorch by the battery. These folks are already professional KZbinrs!!

[@asaftzadok6647]

It would be interesting to see if there is any improvement to the chemistry that would increase its capacity. Any chance for a capacity test comparison for a bunch of batteries ?

[@MichaelBylehn]

Love the timelapse. What does this mean for recycling in 20-30 years?

[@trickys77]

Munro legends! Thanks so much for the updates, very interesting break down so far. Did you see any changes on the Autopilot camera hardware? I was wondering if they would improve the night capabilities.

[@teslapped2709]

Sandy, Thanks

[@MrSvetlin09]

Informative video, its interesting to see the evolution of the Tesla battery. Provided there is no inovation or breaktroug in battery technology, they appear to have a solid design based on proven technology. It is also evident that the future recicle efforts will be prohibitivly expensive. 10-15 years from now we might have a battery disposition dilemma of sizable proportions. This of course applies to all EV's not just Tesla.

[@jsprowse]

@9:30 Now I understand why the battery packs are so expensive.

[@Urgelt]

Any insights as to the coolant used in the Model 3 versus Model Y?

[@ivaniclixx]

Current 2020 Model 3 vs. first Model 3 units comparison would be much more interresting ! Probably many or most of the changes they incorporated into the Model Y are already present in current Model 3s

[@JimArnold6]

Anyone know what was the VIN of the Model 3 Munro examined?

[@zodiacfml]

That's difficult to recycle or re-use once these batteries gets old or not good enough for a car. I'm thinking if Tesla could somehow make the pack more modular, sacrificing a bit in space and costs so that it will be easier to re-use them as batteries for home/appliances/projects.

[@davidelliott5843]

Rolls Royce developed a plate heat exchanger that uses layers of dimpled sheet metal. It’s cheap to make but very efficient. I wonder if these packs use a long plate exchanger between rows of batteries.

[@morosis82]

It would be interesting to see the difference in terms of capacity/charge rate between the two cells, comparing the old 3 version to the Y. I understand that might not be possible given the 3 has been discharged for a while.

[@BryceLovesTech]

Sandy you're a KZbin rock star!!!

[@Miata822]

The holes are interesting. I thought the solid foam was there to reduce the propagation of what we euphemistically call a 'thermal event.' Sure would be nice to see some details of the BMS.

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

Probably more accurate to say new vs old battery pack instead of model 3 vs Y battery packs. They gotta use the same ones I imagine...

[@benjaminheindl1069]

Seeing all the improvemonts from M3 to MY I'm wondering if Tesla is going to put these improvements into future model 3s as well or if M3 is going to stay the way it is. Great video and video-series btw, very interesting!!

[@heltok]

Would be very interesting to see if the Model 3 MIC has a battery more like the Model 3 or the Model Y

[@robcossin4690]

I'm going to need a Tesla Model Y easter egg video to help me, your views will double! I would re-watch every single one.

[@remo]

A timelapse of the complete teardown would be amazing. Do you have the footage?

[@MunroLive]

We do.

[@anthonysmithtube]

I suspect they will address design for disassembly/ shredding/ retrieval of materials at battery day. Perhaps even Redwood materials will make an appearance/

[@setSCEtoAUX]

Mixed feelings about this. :) My old company made (I think still makes?) the robots that test the bond wires between the cells and collector plates for all of Tesla's car and Tesla Energy packs. I was in the Gigafactory for a week as they were trying to ramp up Model 3 production a few years ago, and I won't forget that experience for a while. Seeing those huge modules get slung around by the robots was a trip.

[@altonriggs2352]

I need a Munro lab coat to wear while watching.

[@misium]

munro wisdoms: "o-rings work really well with leaks"

[@phamnuwen9442]

Given how difficult these are to disassemble, I wonder whether recycling will ever be economical or if they'll just end up in a landfill.

[@Jimmy_Jones]

There will be some sort of chemical that can break down the bonding agent. Recycling isn't always simple. It's all down to time to material value.

[@marctenhove874]

I was also wondering this. How the hell can we disassemble these packs quickly to re-use the batteries?

[@archigoel]

@@marctenhove874 Recycle is melting the pack to its constituent elements are reusing them. Its probably cheaper for rare earth metals to be recycled than mined.

[@airheart1]

Also note.. these battery packs are not a one life use. These packs are expected to have a second, and likely 3rd life.. spanning over 20 years of use.. potentially as long as 50 years of service, before needing to be recycled back to their base materials

[@ericfermin8347]

@@archigoel That's laughable

[@SkEiTaDEV]

you're really driving me crazy by always switching between "tesla 3"/"tesla model 3" and "tesla Y"/"tesla model Y". Anyway, great work! Really love the videos about the progress.

[@starwarsman2709]

So in-between the batteries are incased in foam with layors for cooling and stuff formed and fit ? Then all metal, aluminum covers going on top and bottoms of batteries glued or fitted with forms built in to the foam while keeping it lighter it is filled Indian and the foam becomes brackets not filled in areas to lock in places for metal connection then when recycling the battery would be easier just seperate foam from all other components and not only use the batteries but all other pieces of battery pack connectors to just would make it simple right ? What do you think would a formed battery,lighter battery and one that's Easter recycleable be better can it be done keeping it cool so no overheating ?

[@seb.]

can't wait for next episode! will you compare/describe chemistry?

[@suchdevelopments]

Just watch Sean podcast with the batteries behind you. I am interested in EV and Renewable energy. To a point where running an EV and Renewable energy in Lismore NSW in Oct 2020

[@dhargarten]

So how does the battery cooling work? Water / coolant is passed through hollow fins that go all the way to the back end of the battery and back to the lower part? The cooling fins only "touch" one row of battery cells, but it appears that there is at least a second or even third row not directly touching the cooling fins, correct? Where does the hot water go out - the other end of the black plastic tube or at the other end of the battery?

[@miketracy229]

Dang! Sandy does real work!!! :)

[@randolphtorres4172]

THANKSGIVING

[@ericanderson3534]

Great video. One of my favorites.

[@ElliesShorts]

This battery pack design is the definition of unrepairable !

[@lightdark00]

The whole pack, the four units, can be replaced individually. Each battery was not made for repair. And to recover those cells looks like a nightmare.

[@bonzo-er6ly]

lightdark00 - TThose pack are way cheaper to build, cimpared to the MS and MX ones. he cells might yet be recyclable by having some kind of solvent to remove the foam. Then they get acces to individual cells. Then they might have to test every individual cell, and select those for use in a refurbished replacement pack. Still saves money and ressources i guess. Especially in large quantities.

[@lightdark00]

@@bonzo-er6ly I was making a point about the word usage. I was thinking about the average person that would want to recover the cells or replace one battery. Gasoline might be the cheapest solvent currently easily available, that might work.

[@halfbrain86]

Would be interesting to know if model 3 nowadays shares the same battery pack as the model y. I wouldnt be suprised if this was the case.

[@MyFirstYoutubeHandle]

I see what you did there. Lit the torch for the thumbnail. WP

[@8gomerpyle22]

Do either of these two battery packs blow up upon impact, such as the battery packs in a Tesla Model S?

[@db3837]

So I think I found the easter egg. BMW doesn't make a V6 engine, only inline 6. :)

[@DurzoBlunts]

So yah, recycling these batteries would be absolute hell.

[@atomicsmith]

Any indications that these packs have been designed with recycling in mind? Musk has always said these cells could have a high level of reuse and recycling, but the way that’s put together looks like that would be difficult

[@_PatrickO]

Get the upcoming rav4 plugin hybrid. 39mi of electric range, e-awd, they claim instant torque like an EV, and it is fast at 5.2s 0-60. It will be a model y competitor and fill in the gap that the chevy volt used to fill.

[@_PatrickO]

@aurelio milaor cabal It isn't about that. It is about using electricity for around town driving and commuting, but not having to rely on chargers for travel. Fuel cells are a joke, this is the first plugin vehicle toyota is making that is appealing. Instant torque is important and makes the big difference. That means this car will handle and feel like an EV when driving it, even when burning gas.

[@dublindave5795]

I would expect that the cell packs would be different since the mileage claims from your M3 were lower than todays

[@danchatka8613]

If you haven't covered it yet, could you please explain how Model Y protects the battery from high water?

[@ElGuajiro48]

Will it be easy to deconstruct these battery packs when they are no longer useful? Can these be easily recycled or will they end up as hazardous waste?

[@Lumcoin]

please do more Videos about sustainability in car design

[@Reddylion]

Nice

[@15bit62]

Any thoughts on how recyclable that pack design is? It doesn't look like it was designed with recyclability in mind at least. And any chance of getting hold of a few of those Model Y 2170 cells? We're quite keen to test them out in the lab as a benchmark, and to crack one open to see exactly what is inside.

[@NukemNak]

Since Tesla will be recycling these batteries themselves, I'm sure they considered it in the design and have a process in mind for recycling. www.greencarreports.com/news/1122631_tesla-launches-battery-recycling-at-nevada-gigafactory

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

8:99 Ooooyahhh…Think I'll go with the plastic chiseling tools, if it's all the same to you…

[@tedyang19]

will be interesting to see if two batteries are identical inside or not! tip the cashier plzzzzz

[@lightdark00]

He didn’t say tip the cashier. So that means, the propaganda is over, take your facemasks off and return to work.

[@lawpickinglocksmith7689]

Awesome! Just ask Matt from Warped Perception to speed things up a bit?

[@mikem6549]

Tesla seems to have been producing castings throughout the epidemic. If they have a stock pile will this allow them to have a high production rate or is this not the limiting factor (in normal times). Conversely how reliable are these devices could a failure sent production for a prolonged time?

[@DonBurke1]

I would like to know if Sandy has learned anything new while disassembling this vehicle. e.g., "I never thought of doing it that way," or "I wish I'd thought of that," or "I don't know anyone who's ever considered an idea like this." He's implied that may be the case on several occasions but has never outright chronicled where either the 3 or the Y have truly new ideas that even surprise him. .

[@JZainbear]

Maybe you could charge one of the silver batteries and put it on a multi-meter and ammeter for us. Verify the actual values.

[@craigruchman7007]

Informative as always

[@PedroLarroy]

If it's so difficult to open, how are those packs recycled?

[@rpondyke2121]

To quote W.C. Fields from the movie: The Bank Dick: “The resale value of this car is going to be nill after this.” :-)