Image Credit: Panasonic Energy
Japanese battery manufacturer Panasonic Energy is set to begin mass production of its new 4680 cylindrical electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries.
Panasonic’s new 4680 batteries – so named for the dimensions of each battery cell, 46 millimetres in diameter and 80 millimetres in height – are a step change in battery technology and boast substantial improvements over more traditional 2170 cells (21mm in diameter and 70mm in height).
Possessing five-times the energy capacity of a 2170 cell, the new 4680 battery cells can therefore extend EV driving range and reduce the number of cells required for the same battery pack capacity.
These improvements are hoped to make battery packs more efficient in the assembly process, ultimately leading to lower battery costs, making EVs more affordable to the wider market.
However, manufacturing 4680 battery cells requires more advanced technology and expertise, but Panasonic has pioneered a mass production method for these high-performance 4680 cells in what the company expects to be a new benchmark for the industry.
Panasonic Energy said this week it had completed preparations for mass production of the 4680 battery cells at its Wakayama factory in Western Japan, which will serve as the primary manufacturing facility for the new cells.
Roughly 400 staff are expected to be involved in the development and production of next generation batteries at the Wakayama factory by early next year. Panasonic is also aiming for “virtually zero CO2 emissions” during production through the utilisation of solar and onshore wind power.
“This milestone is the result of years of expertise in cylindrical lithium-ion battery manufacturing,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, president and executive officer at Panasonic Energy.
“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.”
Established in 1991, the Wakayama factory has undergone a substantial transformation and is intended to now serve not only as the primary manufacturing facility, but also as a demonstration hub for new products and methods. The factory will also develop new processes that can be implemented at other factories around the globe.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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I am wondering if these will be different to Tesla's failed 4680 cells?
You do realise that all those production Cybertrucks being produced use the Tesla in house 4680. Clearly this is not a failed project as they are now producing GWh per year of them and continuing to ramp. Has it taken longer than initially expected, yes, but they now have into mass production almost all of their ambitious technological breakthroughs. The fact that it has been so difficult for LG Chem and Panasonic to produce the 4680 format cells with mostly traditional cell production technology shows how hard this project was.
Not a failed unless you're scoring by Elon's promises.
Yes they will have higher yields & consistency than Elon could ever match.
EVs with 5x less cells will not only be more reliable but should reduce BMS complexity cost.
The additional supply of 4680s will insure enough supply for the ramping of the Tesla semi next year as the new mass production semi factory comes online. At the current rate of ramping of the Tesla inhouse 4680 cell production, it would appear that Tesla will have enough supply to meet the needs of both the CyberTruck and the semi.
Wonder whether this will incentivise the Japanese auto manufacturers to move into EV production in a more serious way. So far, Nissan is the first and only one to make what could be called a 'serious' move, having been among the pioneers with the Leaf. Sadly, not much has happened since then. Panasonic is a major brand with long experience in battery production so in a good position to benefit.
Yeah, the amount of money they make from Tesla contracts ensures Panasonic will be one of the legacy businesses that will survive the coming OEM slaughter.
I'm not particularly sure that either CATL or BYD are now having sleepless nights.
Who is going to make the vehicles that will want them or will they be for Tesla energy storage ?.
What is the security in case an electrical short circuit or a mechanical fault ?
Elon Musk said, only recently, that Tesla is all about FSD being (actually) delivered......and without THAT - TSLA had NO value.
Can someone explain the tenuous relationship between FSD revenue and 4680 cells ?.
It's worth noting 4680 cells are 5.5x the size of 2170, so holding 5x as much charge is not what makes them special.
Pleasing to see the reference to using renewable energy to manufacture the cells in that plant. The carbon footprint to manufacture an EV vs ICE vehicle is always troubling. Good that Panasonic is already carbon neutral in some battery plants and all battery plants by 2030.
What's with the link to a Japanese factory planning on making 4680s to Telsa? They won't be making 4680 cells and ship them to the USA for Tesla. These would be for other clients.
"Panasonic, one of Tesla's long-standing battery suppliers, is currently building its second U.S. battery plant in Kansas that is set to start production next year, in addition to one in Nevada."
a 21x70 cell has a volume of approx .96
a 46x80 cell has a vulume of 5.32 so should have at least 5.4 times capacity
so the only possible advantage is in BMS and packaging? unless cost per cell is reduced
Now, the next step is to make them without a liquid electrolyte (outside of the ones they are making under licence just for Tesla).