Panasonic Energy has completed preparations at its newly renovated plant in Kinokawa, Japan, to begin mass-producing a new type of high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) battery. On September 9, 2024, the company announced that its Wakayama Prefecture facility will become the primary location for manufacturing the new 4680 battery cells.
What Makes the 4680 Cells Special?
The 4680 cells are much larger and more powerful than the older 2170 cylindrical batteries. These new cells have five times the capacity of their smaller predecessors, which means they can store more energy. This improvement allows electric vehicles to travel further on a single charge and use fewer cells to achieve the same battery pack capacity.
Production Plans and Client Approvals
Panasonic Energy plans to start production of the 4680 cells in the first half of the current business year, which began in April. The company is waiting for final approvals from its clients before it can kick off mass production. Samples of the new batteries have already been sent to automakers, including Tesla, which is a major customer.
Impact on Tesla and the EV Market
Tesla, while already producing its own 4680 batteries, has faced challenges in ramping up production. Panasonic’s new cells could help alleviate some of these issues by providing additional high-capacity batteries. The larger cells will support Tesla and other automakers in extending the driving range of their electric vehicles and improving overall efficiency.
Expansion and Future Plans
In addition to the new Wakayama plant, Panasonic Energy is building a second battery plant in Kansas, USA, and will begin production there next year. This follows the establishment of a similar facility in Nevada. The company is positioning itself to support the growing global demand for electric vehicles with these new facilities.
Employment and Innovation
The company expects the Wakayama plant to employ around 400 people by March 2025. It will not only produce the new 4680 batteries but will also serve as a testing site for new manufacturing processes. These processes may eventually be implemented in other Panasonic factories around the world.
Ongoing Developments in Battery Production
Panasonic Energy already produces other types of EV batteries at its Suminoe and Kaizuka plants in Japan. With its latest advancements and expansions, the company continues to play a crucial role in advancing battery technology and meeting the needs of the expanding electric vehicle market.
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