BYD Blade vs Tesla 4680: Teardown Insights and ''Scam'' Claims Evaluated

A detailed teardown by RWTH Aachen researchers - summarized by ZME Science -offers a factual contrast between BYD''s Blade battery and Tesla''s 4680 cell. Meanwhile, a China Observer video labels BYD''s Blade a "trillion‑dollar scam." This report weighs both sides for EVWorld readers.

What ZME Science and Teardown Studies Reveal

According to ZME Science’s coverage of the Cell Reports Physical Science teardown (March 2025), the Tesla 4680 cylindrical cell delivers significantly higher energy density - 241 Wh/kg and 643 Wh/l - whereas BYD’s Blade LFP cell offers around 160 Wh/kg and 355 Wh/l.

However, thermal efficiency favors BYD. The Blade generates roughly only half the internal heat per volume at equivalent load compared to the Tesla cell, making it easier to manage fast‑charging and cooling .

Material decisions are telling: Tesla uses nickel‑rich (NMC811) cathodes with laser‑only welding; BYD uses LFP chemistry and combines ultrasonic and laser welding for electrode connections.

Surprisingly, neither battery showed silicon in the anode - contrary to expectations in the current generation of high‑density cells.

Cost analysis suggests Tesla’s 4680 carries a premium of about US $10/kWh more than the Blade, largely due to nickel and cobalt materials.

China Observer Video Claims: Blade Battery as a 'Scam'

The China Observer video argues that BYD Blade batteries deceived consumers and policymakers, calling it a “trillion‑dollar scam.” But the channel offers no empirical data or teardown results—relying instead on sensational claims about safety and corporate misconduct.

No independent or scientific confirmation supports allegations of defects or purposeful misrepresentation. Established technical analyses cited above directly contradict any implication that the Blade is fundamentally unsafe or fraudulent.

Expert and Community Perspectives

Commenters in forums such as Reddit echo the teardown conclusions: "...Tesla's 4680 cell’s higher internal resistance leads to greater heat buildup… BYD’s Blade… naturally generates less heat and is… more resistant to thermal runaway". Another noted, “Tesla's 4680 … significantly outperforming the BYD Blade … Tesla is significantly more energy dense, but more expensive, and more prone to overheating. BYD is cheaper, easier to keep from overheating, but less energy dense”.

Verdict: Is the Blade a Scam?

No credible evidence from the teardown research supports classifying the Blade battery as a scam. On the contrary, the empirical data shows a solid engineering trade‑off: Tesla achieves higher density at increased thermal risk and cost; BYD trades pack density for safety, thermal efficiency, and lower materials expense.

The Blade’s acclaim rests on real benefits: superior thermal control, durability, ease of cooling design, and lower unit cost - particularly appealing in mass‑market EV contexts.

Conclusion for EVWorld Readers

The Blade isn't a scam - it's a deliberate design choice aligned with different product and market priorities. Tesla targets top-tier performance with high-density, high-cost chemistry; BYD targets accessible, safe, and efficient EV tech. Neither approach is inherently wrong, but understanding the trade-offs matters.

References & Further Reading

• ZME Science: “Researchers tore down a Tesla and BYD battery to see which one’s …”
• Cell Reports Physical Science teardown summary via ResearchGate
• Notebookcheck report on thermal inefficiency and slow charging
• C&EN article by Prachi Patel summarizing the teardown study
• China Observer video: BYD Deceives the World, a Trillion‑Dollar Scam Uncovered
• Reddit discussion quoting teardown analysis and trade-offs

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