It's funny. All the things you mentioned (even disposal!) are essentially a function of pack architecture. Elon Musk has consistently stated that Tesla is a har

It's funny. All the things you mentioned (even disposal!) are essentially a function of pack architecture. Elon Musk has consistently stated that Tesla is a hardcore engineering and technology company, with the R&D subject being... pack architecture. Just look at their patents: http://www.faqs.org/patents/assignee/tesla-motors-inc/ http://www.faqs.org/patents/assignee/tesla-motors-inc/ Tesla Motor's solutions to these problems has been: * Many small cells. Small cells are easier to cool and you get tighter temperature uniformity. * Active temperature control. Energy is cheap compared to the capital cost of the cells. Active temperature management earns back its own range penalty. It enables the widest choice of cell chemistry. * Physically isolate the cells to prevent cascading failures. * Robust battery box rigidizes the vehicle's frame. * "Skateboard" architecture not unlike GM's Autonomy concept / Hy-Wire prototype (except no fuel cells). You get a low center-of-gravity, battery swap capability, and an aerodynamic belly for free. Pack is easy to access using a standard vehicle lift. Compatible with novel business models, like "buy the car, lease the battery". * Fine-granularity diagnostics and charge/discharge control. Improves pack reliability, longevity, and performance.