On Model 3 and Model Y the seventh character of the VIN is the battery code. E indicates a lithium-ion pack (NMC or NCA chemistry) and F indicates a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack. Position 7 became more informative in recent years: the F code was introduced alongside LFP packs, and for Cybertruck and Semi the code is E (electric).
What the codes mean
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
E | Electric – lithium-ion battery (NMC / NCA) |
F | Electric – lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery |
H, S, V | Early Model S/X capacity classes: high (~85 kWh), standard (~60 kWh) and ultra-high (~90 kWh) |
A–D | Early Model S/X/Roadster charger options (10 kW or 20 kW, with or without DC fast charging) |
LFP vs NMC in everyday use
- Charging habits. LFP packs are generally happy to be charged to 100% regularly, while NMC/NCA packs are normally kept to about 80–90% for daily use, saving 100% for trips. Check the manual or Tesla’s guidance for your exact car.
- Cold weather. LFP usually loses more range in the cold and benefits from preconditioning before charging.
- Cost and materials. LFP avoids nickel and cobalt, which is why it is typically used in more affordable variants.
What the VIN cannot tell you
- It does not give the capacity in kWh or a trim name such as "Long Range".
- The cell supplier is not encoded; the position-7 letter alone does not name it.
- Reports indicate that not every 2022 car follows the E/F convention, so treat position 7 as likely, not guaranteed, and confirm in the car’s software or with Tesla.
How TeslaVin reports it
The decoder shows the battery code with a confidence label (Confirmed, Likely or Uncertain) and cross-checks the result with NHTSA’s own decode where available. Try it with your VIN.
