Tesla Model Y matrix LEDs, structural battery unveiled at Giga Berlin Giga Fest

> Does anyone have any details on repairability of such single cast structures?

Its repairability score: 0.0. Welding aluminium is extremely hard, and specialty alloys even more so.

And nobody else will be able to make exact replacements without same very expensive, one of a kind tooling.

On other hand, lots of cash for Tesla from making spare parts.

Indeed, an Iphone on wheels.

I share your concern with the lack of repairability and fully admit I'd never buy a Tesla. However, I think this depends on your definition of what a "minor" accident is. Generally, accidents that surpass cosmetic damage and cause frame damage (even in ICE vehicles) warrant a near write off or a problem that compromises any chance of re-selling a vehicle. For instance, damage to suspension linkages / steering column or a minor bend in the frame or A pillar of a vehicle.

I think the biggest consideration here is the fire / electrical risk of a slightly damaged or questionably compromised battery pack (structural or otherwise). In time, insurance companies / providers will likely adjust their actuarial math to compensate for battery risks or more generally long term risks of post-accident Ev's. It'll be interesting to see how the buy back numbers look - a structural battery might actually leave more cells / components intact for re-sale / scrapping or recycling in comparison to ICE vehicles which are generally just priced for their scrap value by weight.

Again, I'll never buy a tesla - I'm driving my ICE VW GTI with a manual transmission into the ground.