Panasonic will begin producing large quantities of a battery that could revolutionize electric vehicles. “It will drastically transform the EV and battery industries.”
According to a corporate news release, Panasonic, a supplier of batteries for Tesla, has renovated a plant in Wakayama, Japan, as part of its endeavor to mass produce what it describes as a “breakthrough” in the battery and electric vehicle industries.
To begin with, the storage capacity is increased by 500% using the 4680 cylindrical cell. According to Bloomberg, the number-based nickname refers to its dimensions, which are 46 millimeters in diameter by 80 millimeters length (1.8 inches by 3.1 inches).
In an article about the development, Interesting Engineering stated, “This not only extends the driving range of EVs, but also reduces the number of cells required for the same battery pack capacity.”
Panasonic claims that the 4680 is a significant upgrade over its 2170 cells, which are found in the Model Y and Model 3 Teslas. According to Electrek and the Panasonic news release, the new pack is anticipated to lower EV prices and production costs.
It is one of many battery developments from laboratories throughout the world that use unusual materials, some of which include salt and potassium. The researchers involved in such studies share Panasonic’s objective of improving performance and reducing production costs.
The Wakayama plant is a unique example of innovation. According to Panasonic, it will serve as both a testing ground for other products and a “mother” plant for the manufacturing of the 4680. According to the news release, there will be about 400 workers there by March.
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“This milestone is the result of years of expertise in cylindrical lithium-ion battery manufacturing,” stated Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy.
To help make operations cleaner, the factory will use wind and solar energy. According to Panasonic, the ultimate objective is to achieve “virtually” zero carbon dioxide emissions. Since medical professionals associate the fumes with a number of heart, lung, and other health issues, reducing the production of heat-trapping gases is beneficial for public health.
In addition to improving EV performance and cost, better batteries can aid in the air purification endeavor.
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“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,” Tadanobu stated.
With EV sales approaching 14 million worldwide last year, the expansion is timely. According to data from the International Energy Agency, that is an increase from over 10 million in 2022. Strong tax benefits of up to $7,500 are still accessible in the US, which further lowers the cost of the cleaner rides.
The 4680 cells should soon be included in some of those EVs, if Panasonic’s strategy works out.
“I’m confident it will significantly revolutionize the battery and EV industry,” Tadanobu stated.
Panasonic will begin producing large quantities of a battery that could revolutionize electric vehicles: The Cool Down first reported that “it will significantly revolutionize the battery and EV industry.”