'Tesla Supplier' Japan Panasonic "Next-Generation 4680 Battery Mass Production Ready"

Panasonic, a supplier of batteries to Tesla, has completed preparations for mass production of the next-generation battery '4680'.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Panasonic announced on the 9th that it has completed preparations to mass-produce the 4680 battery at its factory located in the western part of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and plans to start production immediately once the final evaluation is completed. According to Panasonic, the 4680 battery is lighter, more efficient, and less costly to manufacture than the previously produced '2170' cylindrical battery.

The 4680 battery, measuring 46mm in diameter and 80mm in length, is a next-generation cylindrical NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) battery designed by Tesla. It offers higher energy density and output compared to existing batteries, enabling electric vehicles to increase their driving range per charge. Tesla produces this battery directly at its U.S. factories and also receives supplies from partners such as Panasonic. The issue has been that the quantity of 4680 batteries supplied to Tesla has not been sufficient, causing difficulties in mass-producing electric vehicles with extended driving ranges, such as the Cybertruck.

There are expectations that Panasonic's mass production technology for the 4680 battery will have a positive impact on Tesla's electric vehicle production. Additionally, Panasonic plans to operate a new factory under construction in Kansas starting next year, following its Nevada plant.

Panasonic anticipates that the mass production of the 4680 battery will influence the mid- to long-term expansion of global electric vehicle adoption.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Tesla's stock price on the New York Stock Exchange closed at $216.27, up 2.63% from the previous trading day.