Tesla Will Accelerate the Production of 4680 Batteries

The 4680 battery is a new lithium-ion battery first developed by Tesla. The battery is named after its dimensions: 46 mm in diameter and 80 mm in height. The 4680 cells are significantly larger than traditional cells (typically 18650 or 21700 in size). The 4680 battery is larger and can store more energy, allowing electric vehicles to have a longer range.

Some of the main advantages of 4680 batteries are mainly: 1. Higher energy density: 4680 batteries can store 5 times more energy than conventional batteries. This means that electric vehicles equipped with 4680 batteries can have significantly longer range. 2. Improved efficiency: The 4680 battery is expected to be more efficient than traditional batteries. This means they can recharge faster and last longer. 3. Lower cost: Tesla said that the production cost of 4680 batteries can be 30-50% lower than that of traditional batteries. This could help make EVs more affordable for consumers.

Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada, USA, started construction in 2015 and was completed in 2016. In 2020, plans to invest US$2 billion in this super factory to produce 4680 batteries will be launched. In January this year, Tesla announced an investment of US$3.6 billion in the Nevada Gigafactory to expand, mainly to manufacture 4680 batteries. The Gigafactory also manufactured Megapack in the beginning. However, in May of this year, manufacturing of the Megapack ceased. This means Tesla attaches great importance to 4680 batteries.

It is worth noting that the planned 4680 battery factory is expected to have an annual production capacity of 100 gigawatt hours. This means potentially supplying batteries to 1.5 million vehicles per year. Looking ahead, Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicts that the Nevada factory has the potential to achieve a staggering 500 GWh of annual production capacity.