Lasers in Electric Cars

Laser marking technology is used in the production of Tesla and BYD's new energy vehicles. This article compares the differences and respective advantages of the two companies.The book's contents cover the core principles of laser marking technology, its practical applications, and future trends. It helps readers understand how this technology affects the quality of vehicles, production efficiency, and environmental value.

Why is laser engraving the "passport" of new energy vehicles?

People may have noticed that new energy vehicles often have a string of fine codes or patterns on their batteries, electric motors, or even frames.The seemingly simple markings are actually "ID cards" "engraved" by laser technology.Compared to traditional inkjet printing, laser marking is not only clearer and more durable, but can also accurately "engrave" complex curved surfaces, such as those found on Tesla's battery modules and BYD's blade batteries.

Tesla's laser etching is "black technology.

In Tesla's plant, there are a lot of tricks to the trade of laser marking.

The invisible anti-counterfeiting technology in batteries.

A laser will etch a QR code containing the production date and batch number onto the surface of the battery pack with micrometer-level precision.This kind of mark is less than one-tenth the diameter of a hair, and does not affect battery safety. It can withstand high temperatures and vibrations, and can be scanned to trace its origin a decade later.

The "sculpting problem" of the monocoque frame.

Traditional marking methods are difficult to use on the aluminum alloy chassis, and can leave heat damage.Tesla uses a pulsed fiber laser, which can be adjusted in wavelength and energy to complete a series of codes in 0.8 seconds, while guaranteeing that the structure of the material is not affected.

BYD's "Chinese solution" to laser technology

If Tesla is pursuing ultimate efficiency, BYD is playing with new tricks to control costs.

The double-sided battery

For BYD's lithium iron phosphate batteries, information needs to be printed on both positive and negative electrodes.Their solution was to have double-headed laser equipment made to order. Using mirror calibration technology, they were able to get two laser beams to work in tandem like the needles of a sewing machine, boosting daily output by 40 %.

A "safety line" for hybrid systems.

In order to meet the complex piping requirements of its DM-i hybrid system, BYD has developed a circular laser marking head.This device, which resembles the "wrist" of a robotic arm, can rotate 360 degrees and mark curved surfaces, and the marks it produces are three times more resistant to scratches than those produced by traditional methods.

What laser marks should the average driver be concerned about?

When you buy a car, don't just look at the outside. The laser markings in these places contain important information:

The battery case's "physical examination.

The code on each battery pack is linked to data such as the supplier of the cells and the number of charging cycles, so that when the pack is serviced later in its life, scanning the code will bring up the original documentation.

The hidden skill of electric motor nameplates.

The laser markings on the new permanent-magnet motors include temperature threshold parameters, which enthusiasts can use to adjust their cooling systems.

The future: How else can laser marking be used?

Two new techniques are being experimented with within the industry.

Color laser marking.

In the future, the VIN code could be directly printed on the car body.

The smart traceability system.

With blockchain technology, scanning the QR code will not only show production information, but also the battery's health history, making secondhand electric vehicle transactions more transparent.