Imagine if the battery that powered your electric vehicle could charge faster, last longer, and cost far less money to produce – all at the same time. As a driver, you‘d enjoy superior range and performance while paying less upfront for the car itself. And as an automaker, you could manufacture models capable of things never before possible, at prices accessible to mainstream buyers.
This isn‘t just a fantasy. Tesla‘s new 4680 battery cell makes this vision a reality. Hailed as a game-changer by those in the EV industry, the deceptively simple 4680 battery packs revolutionary technology that will shape the electric cars of tomorrow.
So what‘s the big deal, you ask? Keep reading as we demystify everything there is to know about Tesla‘s secret battery sauce – the 4680.
A Battery Evolution
Let‘s start from the beginning and look at why this new 4680 tech stands apart. Tesla has utilized different battery form factors across each vehicle generation:
- Model S & Model X: 18650 cylindrical cells
- Model 3 & Model Y: 2170 cylindrical cells
- Future models: 4680 cylindrical cells
While sharing a similar shape, these cell generations differ greatly in size and performance:
| Metric | 18650 | 2170 | 4680 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 18mm | 21mm | 46mm |
| Height | 65mm | 70mm | 80mm |
| Capacity | 3,500 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 9,000 mAh (est.) |
| Energy Density | 250 Wh/L | 325 Wh/L | 416+ Wh/L |
As the numbers illustrate, the 4680 offers major leaps over its predecessors – roughly 5x more capacity and energy density than the 2170 cells used in Model 3 today.
Translating the tech speak, this means the 4680 can store much more energy in a given space. And more energy means more range and power for Tesla‘s electric cars.
The Battery Revolution
How does the 4680 achieve such incredible density figures? Tesla fundamentally rethought battery design through multiple innovations:
1. Tabless electrodes – electrode tabs relocated to eliminate thermal hotspots
2. Taller format – 4680 is the largest automotive li-ion cell ever produced
3. Nickel-rich chemistry – higher energy density through cathode changes
4. Integrated manufacturing – streamlined production directly within Tesla factories
Collectively, these advancements reduce manufacturing costs by over 50% while offering breakthrough performance improvements like:
- Faster charging – 4680s can add hundreds of miles in 15-30 minutes
- Longer range – 500 miles or more between charges
- Better power and acceleration
- Improved safety – more stable nickel cathode chemistry
For consumers, 4680 batteries directly enable a new era of ultra fast-charging, long-range electric vehicles at far more affordable prices.
When Can I Get a 4680-Powered Car?
Tesla is already manufacturing 4680 cells at Gigafactory Texas, powering newly-built Model Y crossovers with over 300 miles of range.
The automaker expects to produce 100 GWh worth of 4680 batteries by the end of 2023 – enough to power 1 million EVs!
Panasonic will also begin mass producing the cells this spring to help meet demand. As 4680 output scales in the coming months, expect them to make their way into the hotly anticipated Cybertruck, Semi, Roadster and other future Tesla models.
The 4680 Difference
While the 4680 battery may sound highly technical on the surface, its real-world impact for Tesla drivers comes down to 3 key factors:
1. Extended Range
Higher energy density directly translates to more miles from every charge. Case in point – the 4680-equipped Cybertruck promises ranges exceeding 500 miles, a first for a production EV.
No more range anxiety on road trips!
2. Lower Costs
By producing 4680 cells in-house with innovative manufacturing techniques, Tesla slashes per kWh costs in half. Those savings can then pass from Tesla‘s bottom line to your wallet.
Greater affordability will allow more consumers to go electric sooner.
3. Next-Gen Performance
Larger 4680 cells support never-before-seen charging speeds, horsepower, and torque numbers that simply weren‘t possible with 186580 or 2170 hardware.
Expect upcoming Roadster and Plaid models to fully exploit the performance potential of 4680 batteries!
In short, the 4680 cell is an absolute game-changer, ushering in the next generation of EV driving.
What Experts Are Saying
Industry analysts widely agree that 4680 batteries will disrupt the auto market on the scale of Tesla‘s initial Model S launch:
"A truly revolutionary leap…4680s overcome seemingly every shortcoming holding EVs back from mass adoption today." – MotorTrend
"This unassuming battery is the biggest thing to happen to electric vehicles since their invention." – Electrek
Battery tech investments and patents from major automakers signal that Tesla‘s 4680 work has kicked off an urgent arms race. Companies are rushing similar advancements into production on 5-10 year timelines.
But as is often the case, Tesla finds itself years ahead with a commanding competitive lead.
An Electric Future
The 4680 battery is the final piece to unlock Tesla‘s master plan – delivering an electrified future of clean and sustainable transportation. Affordable electric cars with unprecedented range, blistering performance and lightning quick charging are no longer just aspirations.
With scale production of 4680 cells ramping up daily, this electric future is fast approaching. We can‘t wait to see the innovations Tesla has in store!
*What about you – are you excited for the 4680-enabled era of incredible EVs?* Let me know what upcoming Tesla model you have your eyes on in the comments!
