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Panasonic Energy Gears Up for Large-Scale Production of High-Capacity EV Batteries

Panasonic Energy Gears Up for Large-Scale Production of High-Capacity EV Batteries
  • PublishedSeptember 9, 2024

Panasonic Energy, a key supplier for Tesla, has completed preparations for the mass production of its high-capacity electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the company announced on Monday.

The new production line at the renovated plant in Wakayama, Japan, will focus on manufacturing the advanced 4680 battery cells.

The 4680 cells, which feature a larger size compared to Panasonic’s previous 2170 cylindrical batteries, are designed to offer five times the capacity. With a diameter of 46mm and a height of 80mm, these batteries are expected to improve the driving range of EVs and reduce the number of cells required per battery pack.

Panasonic Energy has already sent samples of the 4680 batteries to several automakers and is awaiting final approval before commencing full-scale production. The company had previously indicated that production would begin in the first half of the current business year, which started in April.

The Wakayama facility, previously used for automotive battery components, is now fully equipped to handle the new battery production. The plant is projected to achieve several gigawatt hours of annual capacity once operations are underway. Panasonic Energy CEO Kazuo Tadanobu highlighted the growing demand for EVs and the company’s plans to expand its production capabilities globally.

In addition to its Japanese facilities, Panasonic Energy is constructing a new battery plant in Kansas, set to start production next year, and already operates another facility in Nevada. The company aims to employ around 400 staff at the Wakayama plant by March 2025, with the site also serving as a testing ground for processes that could be implemented in other locations worldwide.

Panasonic Energy currently produces 2170 and 1860 cylindrical batteries at its Suminoe and Kaizuka plants in Japan.

With input from Reuters.