Yahoo Autos Tesla supplier announces improved cells for better, cheaper EVs: ‘We will expand battery capacity and improve productivity at the same time’
Panasonic is continuing its commitment to American-based electric vehicle battery manufacturing, and the latest news should leave EV shoppers happy.
The company announced that it intends to produce a better version of the company’s 2170 battery cell used in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, per Electrek. The news is touted by Panasonic leaders as one that could lower EV costs.
“We will expand battery capacity and improve productivity at the same time,” Panasonic CTO Shoichiro Watanabe told Bloomberg.
The electronics giant makes about 10% of the world’s EV batteries. The new 2170s will be made in the company’s Nevada plant, which is operated in partnership with Tesla, within the next two years, Electrek reported.
The company has been making plenty of battery tech headlines lately. A deal with California-based Sila will provide silicon anodes for Panasonic cells, replacing commonly used graphite ones. Officials say the new material could help to provide a 500-mile range with a 10-minute charge, per Electrek.
It’s all part of Panasonic’s effort to stuff more energy into cells while reducing costs — all while churning out more power packs. In fact, the company plans to “quadruple production capacity by the 2030 fiscal year,” per Bloomberg.
Also in development are 4680 cells that should pack more punch. Bloomberg reported that the numerical name defines the innovation’s dimensions: 46 millimeters in diameter by 80 millimeters long (1.8 inches by 3.1 inches).
