Panasonic has disclosed its plans to enhance the 2170 cells utilized in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y at their Nevada facility jointly operated with Tesla, with the anticipated production of an upgraded version slated for sometime in 2024 or 2025. The new cells boast significantly increased energy density, aiming to contribute to the reduction of electric vehicle (EV) prices, as confirmed by the company.
Shoichiro Watanabe, Panasonic’s Chief Technology Officer, outlined the company’s commitment to quadruple production capacity by the 2030 fiscal year. In an interview with Bloomberg, Watanabe emphasized that achieving this ambitious goal would not necessitate constructing new factories or substantial investments in production facilities. Instead, the strategy involves expanding battery capacity and simultaneously enhancing productivity.
Panasonic, a key supplier for Tesla in the United States, currently produces approximately 10% of the global electric vehicle battery supply. The company intends to commence production of a revised version of its 2170-type cylindrical battery cells, utilized in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, while also targeting a 10% increase in battery production output. Watanabe highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the energy density of the 2170 cells, expressing optimism that these advancements could contribute to overall EV cost reduction by requiring fewer cells for vehicle production.
Panasonic is in the process of constructing a new factory in De Soto, Kansas, dedicated to 2170-type cells for EVs, representing a $4 billion project with an initial output of 30 GWh/year. Originally expected to produce the larger 4680-type cylindrical battery cells, Panasonic postponed this project. Additionally, the company plans to announce a third U.S. battery manufacturing plant soon, aiming to raise production capacity to 200 GWh by 2030, up from the current limit of 50 GWh.
In a strategic move, Panasonic recently entered into an agreement to acquire nano-composite silicon anode material from Sila, a California-based company. Sila’s Titan Silicon anode powder, a replacement for graphite in traditional lithium-ion batteries, holds the potential for 500-mile nonstop trips and 10-minute recharges in EVs, according to Wired.
Panasonic credits the Inflation Reduction initiative from the Biden administration, offering subsidies for battery cell manufacturing in the U.S., as a significant boost to its operations. The company anticipates a substantial $587 million increase in operation during the fiscal year ending in March 2024, reflecting the positive impact of government support.
- Panasonic and Tesla are collaborating on the production of an upgraded version of electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, expected to be released in 2024 or 2025, featuring significantly increased energy density to help reduce EV prices.
- Panasonic’s Chief Technology Officer, Shoichiro Watanabe, has outlined the company’s commitment to quadruple production capacity by the 2030 fiscal year. The strategy focuses on expanding battery capacity and improving productivity without the need for new factories or substantial investments.
- As a major supplier for Tesla in the U.S., Panasonic currently produces 10% of the global EV battery supply. The company plans to start production of a revised version of its 2170-type cylindrical battery cells, used in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, with a target of a 10% increase in production output.
- Panasonic is constructing a new factory in De Soto, Kansas, dedicated to 2170-type cells for EVs, with a $4 billion investment and an initial output of 30 GWh/year. The company also plans to announce a third U.S. battery manufacturing plant, aiming to increase production capacity to 200 GWh by 2030.
- In a strategic move, Panasonic has entered into an agreement to acquire nano-composite silicon anode material from Sila, a California-based company. Sila’s Titan Silicon anode powder has the potential for 500-mile nonstop trips and 10-minute EV recharges.
- Panasonic attributes the Inflation Reduction initiative from the Biden administration, offering subsidies for battery cell manufacturing in the U.S., as a significant boost to its operations. The company anticipates a substantial $587 million increase in operation during the fiscal year ending in March 2024, reflecting the positive impact of government support.