- LG Energy Solution plans to begin mass production of 4680-type cylindrical battery cells by the end of the year, hoping to supply the cells to OEMs such as Tesla.
- The 4680 battery type has been given the nickname ‘supercell’, thanks to several benefits over the smaller cylindrical cells typically used in EVs.
- This includes a higher energy and power density, alongside improved cooling, and, more crucially in mass production mode, cost savings.
LG primed to reach 4680 mass production before its competitors
Larger 4680-type cylindrical cells have already found their way into production EVs, but not on a widespread scale. With in-house battery production, Tesla has been installing such cells into its new Cybertruck EV, but has reportedly been struggling at turning this into a mass-production operation. Several other battery manufacturers are also racing to bring 4680 cells to mass production, with brands such as BMW and Stellantis previously having been in talks with Panasonic to use its 4680 cells in future EVs.
LG hopes to begin mass production of 4680-type batteries by December, at the latest. That’s four months later than originally planned, but sets LG out as the first battery manufacturer to target a production date, suggesting that it will pass rivals in being first to put the new cells into mass production. An LG Energy Solution official told The Korea Economic Daily: “If mass production becomes a reality, it will be a game-changer.” Previously, LG had pinned Tesla as a customer for its upcoming 4680 batteries, but the battery producer will also be open to forming deals with other OEMs.
With cylindrical battery cells already having one of the lowest costs of production for any EV battery type, the arrival of the 4680-shape in mass production will be welcomed by both car manufacturers and consumers alike, if it can truly offer cost savings at the production level. Of course, cylindrical cells are not the answer to every EV, with pouch and prismatic cells also widely used in current EV production. Solid state batteries will also create another choice for car OEMs in the future. Samsung recently revealed its solid state prototype, with an aim to put it into mass production by 2027, initially targeting the premium EV segment thanks to the capability of 600-miles plus range from the energy-dense format.
