Tesla-supplier Panasonic Energy prepares for high-capacity EV battery production
The unit of Panasonic Holdings (6752.T), opens new tab has sent samples of the 4680 batteries to some automakers to which it is already a supplier, and intends to kick off production after getting the green light from clients, a Panasonic spokesperson said.
It had previously said it planned to start production of the 4680 cells at the Wakayama plant, where it formerly made parts for automotive batteries, in the first half of the current business year that started in April.
The bigger cells, which have a diameter of 46mm and an 80mm height, will allow automakers to extend the driving range of electric vehicles and use fewer cells to achieve the same battery pack capacity, Panasonic Energy said in a statement.
Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck in November 2023 after years of delay and a difficult production ramp-up.
While the automaker already produces its own 4680 batteries, one of the main bottlenecks it faces for the truck is the speed at which it can make them, sources told Reuters in late 2023.
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.
Panasonic Energy held a ceremony to mark the completion of preparations to start mass-producing the batteries and showed an inspection line where trays stacked with the silver-coloured cells could be seen running through.
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.
Panasonic Energy held a ceremony to mark the completion of preparations to start mass-producing the batteries and showed an inspection line where trays stacked with the silver-coloured cells could be seen running through.
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Tesla-supplier Panasonic Energy prepares for high-capacity EV battery production, source