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Model Y/3 Non-Premium SR with LFP vs Premium LR with NMC

Fun-Class3451 | 2026-03-11 12:43 | 22 views

Hello everyone, I’m from Germany and about to buy a new electric car and had basically already decided on a Tesla. It will most likely be the Model Y or possibly the Model 3. Originally, I wanted a car with an LFP battery because with such a large investment I’d like the car to last as long as possible. According to what I’ve read online, LFP batteries are theoretically much more durable: around 3,000–5,000 charge cycles vs. 1,000–2,500 charge cycles for NMC batteries. That would theoretically mean more than two to five times the lifespan. Unfortunately, Tesla currently only offers both cars in the premium versions with an NMC battery. The LFP battery is only available in the standard version with fewer features. So now I’m facing a dilemma: should I buy the car with fewer features but with an LFP battery, or go for the extra features with an NMC battery? The Price difference in Non-Premium with LFP vs Premium with NMC is: Model Y: 32.970€ vs 45.970€ Model 3: 32.970€ vs 40.970€ Like i would pay more money for a car with a shorter lifespan (but with more features). If there were Premium with LFP i would go for that, but unfortunately currently Tesla Germany do not offer this configuration... What does it look like in practice with NMC batteries? With good care, can they also achieve a similarly long lifespan? I had read that with proper care, NMC batteries might even last longer than LFP batteries—but I’ve hardly found any long-term reports about battery degradation. Based on everything I’ve read, I currently have the impression that NMC is basically a no-go when you consider that it’s more flammable, degrades faster, and is more expensive. The only advantage I could really find is the range benefit. But even that seems less relevant since the battery is supposedly only supposed to be charged to 80%. What are your experiences and opinions on the LFP vs. NMC topic? Despite all the apparent disadvantages, would you still recommend an NMC battery to me?

Comments (6)
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saintdutch 2026-03-11 15:05

I have the 2024 Premium Model 3 with LFP and it’s an awesome car. Maybe you can look for this one as a used car? They used to sell exactly what you want

Facers 2026-03-11 15:26

I have a 2023 MY with LFP and just bought a M3 with NMC and was wondering the same before I made the purchase. What sold me on it in the end is how many charges do you realistically expect in the lifespan of the car? Yes, the LFP has significantly more charge cycles but is it needed? I charge my MY once a week, more when making trips a couple times a year. If you assume 60 charges per year over a 10 year time span you are only at 600 charges. Add 50% over 10 years and still havent reached the lower band of charge cycles. Will you still have the car in 10 years? I think there are some other benefits to NMC, like it holds a charge better, better cold weather performance. Not 100% sure though. Would be interested to know how others feel though

Matt64000 2026-03-11 15:33

The LFP is able to take more charge cycle and the degradation is far better. Otherwise LFP doesn’t like cold climate (regenerate and charge)

PIRANHASQUIRREL 2026-03-11 15:47

All the pre-Juniper Model Y have the same features you pay extra for with the current premium model, plus autopilot included. Just save yourself thousands, get a 1-2 year old used LFP model with autopilot.

JHustle99 2026-03-11 16:56

I'd say get the LFP, I have 35K km on mine (2024 Model 3 Premium) and I think it's a few km off than what it was when I bought it. Degradation is pretty much negligible.

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