We often talk about advances in batteries that are in the process of development and research. This is not the case, since Panasonic has announced that it is ready to begin mass production of its long-awaited 4680 lithium-ion battery cells. We talk about them because they are specifically designed to increase autonomy, power, charging and efficiency in the electric cars. And they also reduce costs.
The battery packs of conventional electric vehicles are usually made up of stacks of 2170 cells, (21 mm in diameter and 70 mm in length). The 4680 cellsas the name suggests, are much thicker and a little longer at 46 x 80mm.
These 4680 cells contain five times more energy than their smaller cousins. Just don’t expect a 500% increase in range from an electric vehicle. Of course, they have their advantages:
- They require less support material, so they are lighter and more compact to achieve the same energy capacity as conventional ones.
- They should be able to handle higher levels of instantaneous power (with greater peak power reaching the wheels).
- They must support faster charging powers.
- They should also deal better with heat, which translates into greater efficiency and greater sustained power.
- They aim to be cheaper, which would help reduce the difference in access price, the main barrier faced by car buyers looking to switch to electric cars.
This is the same cell size that Tesla announced at its Battery Day 2020, promising a 16% increase in range and 600% increase in maximum power output at a lower cost. After some serious difficulties, they are now in production. In fact, Tesla has moved to a design Cybercell 4680 second generation for the Cybertruck that reduces the weight from 70 grams to an impressive 49 g.
Panasonic hasn’t released the specs for its 4680 batteries yet, so we can’t compare them yet. Of course, it has already dismantled its entire 60,907 square meter factory in Wakayama, Japan, and has reconditioned it for the production of 4680. This will begin with up to 400 employees expected on the lines in March 2025.
The Japanese brand describes itself as the world’s number one electric vehicle battery manufacturer. It has agreements with Tesla, Lucid, Toyota and Ford, among others, and is working on partnering with companies such as Subaru and Mazda.
Panasonic President and CEO Kazuo Tadanobu says in a press release that “I am confident that it will significantly revolutionize the battery and electric vehicle industry. “As we add the 4680 cell to our lineup, we will serve a broader range of needs, further promoting the use of electric vehicles and advancing our mission of fostering a sustainable society.”
On the other hand, Panasonic has signed an agreement to use high-performance silicon anode technology from the Washington-based company Sila. This promises a 25% increase in battery energy density… but it could take more than five years to reach volume production. Now it’s time to improve the weight, volume, safety, performance and autonomy of electric cars, reducing costs, with the Panasonic 4680 battery, which is no small thing.
Via: EV Lithium
