- Panasonic Energy, who supply EV batteries to manufacturers such as Tesla, is now finalising preparations to put larger, more energy-dense 4680 cylindrical battery cells into mass production.
- The announcement comes a week after rival EV battery producer, LG Energy Solution, announced plans to begin production of the same form factor cells by the end of the year.
- The battery manufacturer has already sent samples of the battery type to its current EV clients, with the hope of beginning production once both these samples gain approval from the OEMs, and its new production facility undergoes final approval.
Panasonic and LG to be one of the first on the scene for mass-market 4680 batteries
The new cells are set to be made at Panasonic Energy’s Wakayama plant in Japan, which was recently renovated to facilitate mass EV cell production, involving around 400 staff in the production of the new generation of batteries. The manufacturer says that its 4680 cells will have five times the energy capacity of conventional, smaller 2170 cells, helping not only to potentially increase the range of future EVs, but also lower the cost of such vehicles, as less cells will be required to create a battery pack of the same capacity. It noted, however, that mass production of such cells requires significantly more expertise, and cites its 30 years of experience in cylindrical lithium-ion battery production as a factor in achieving its goal of mass production so soon.
Panasonic Energy is targeting March 2025 as the date that these new cells will go into production – three months after LG Energy Solution plans to start mass production of its similar cells. Tesla already produces 4680 cells in-house for its Cybertruck, but has reportedly been struggling in transitioning this into a mass-production operation.
Kazuo Tadanobu, President and Executive Officer of Panasonic Energy, commented:
“I am excited that we are ready to start the mass production of the cutting-edge 4680 cell. This milestone is the result of years of expertise in cylindrical lithium-ion battery manufacturing. I’m confident it will significantly revolutionize the battery and EV industry. As we add the 4680 cell to our lineup, we’ll cater to a broader range of needs, further promoting the use of EVs and advancing our mission of fostering a sustainable society.”
