FYI: Tesla’s 100 Millionth 4680 Battery Cell Marks a Significant Milestone
Tesla has just hit a monumental milestone by producing its 100 millionth 4680 battery cell, effectively doubling its output since June. This rapid increase in production hints that Tesla may have finally overcome the scaling challenges with this innovative form factor.
The 4680 Battery Journey
Four years ago, Tesla introduced the 4680 battery cell during its Battery Day event in September 2020. The goal was to create a cell with higher energy density and more cost-effective manufacturing, paving the way for an affordable $25,000 electric vehicle in the future.
Key Milestones and Production Accelerations
- June 2023: Tesla announced its 50 millionth 4680 cell.
- 101 Days Later: The production doubled, reaching 100 million cells.
Over the weekend, Tesla achieved the production of its 100 millionth 4680 battery cell, now churning out an impressive average of 495,000 cells daily. This marks a dramatic shift from the initial 29 months needed to reach the first 50 million cells, compared to just three months for the next 50 million.
Overcoming Challenges
Tesla’s journey to perfecting the 4680 cell hasn’t been straightforward. The acquisition of Maxwell Technologies in 2019 introduced a unique "dry coating" process, aimed at lowering costs per kilowatt-hour. However, the tabless design proved difficult to manufacture.
Reportedly, Elon Musk issued an ultimatum earlier this year: either solve the production difficulties by year-end, or face abandoning the project. Fast forward four months, and Tesla’s recent production surge suggests a breakthrough may have been achieved.
Cybertruck and Beyond
Tesla has already begun validation testing its first dry cathode 4680 cells using a prototype Cybertruck, underscoring the cell’s importance to Tesla’s lineup. The increase in production could either be due to the new dry cathode technology or simply a ramp-up of existing cell production.
With enough cells now produced to build nearly 60,000 Cybertrucks, the impact of solving the 4680’s manufacturing issues is substantial. The ability to mass-produce these cells is crucial for cost reduction, which remains one of Tesla’s top priorities.
Future Implications
Tesla’s successful ramp-up of 4680 cell production paves the way for broader adoption across its vehicle lineup. The decrease in production costs can help bring down the overall price of Tesla cars, aligning with the company’s vision of more affordable electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Hitting the 100 millionth 4680 battery cell milestone is a testament to Tesla’s relentless drive for innovation and efficiency. As the company continues to refine its production processes, we may soon see the benefits reflected in lower-cost, high-performance electric vehicles on the road.
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William Kouch
Editor of Automotive.fyi
