Summary
- Tesla is looking to introduce four variants of dry cathode 4680 cells for different vehicles by 2026
- The electric car maker has faced delays in ramping up production of the next-generation batteries
- The batteries are codenamed “NC05,” “NC20,” “NC30,” and “NC50” for different purposes
- These batteries will include silicon carbon in the anodes to hold more lithium than conventional anodes
- The batteries will be used in vehicles like the Robotaxi, Cybertruck, Semi, and an all-electric sedan
Article
A recent report from The Information suggests that Tesla is planning to introduce four variants of dry cathode 4680 cells for use in various vehicles by 2026. The 4680 battery was first unveiled during Battery Day in 2020, but its production has faced some delays. However, recent reports indicate that Tesla is moving forward with mass production of the “complete” version of the 4680 battery, utilizing a dry cathode process for the positive and negative electrodes.
Tesla’s Senior Manufacturing Engineer for 4680 cell development has confirmed that the first-ever Cybertruck equipped with full dry cathode 4680 cells has been built. Additionally, Tesla announced that it had produced its 100 millionth 4680 battery cell across all its facilities. The company seems to be focusing on automation equipment critical for producing the cathode material, hinting at a potential reduction in the use of cobalt in the battery manufacturing process.
The four variants of dry cathode 4680 batteries, codenamed “NC05,” “NC20,” “NC30,” and “NC50,” are reportedly being developed for different purposes. The “NC05” battery is expected to be a workhorse and will likely power upcoming vehicles such as the Robotaxi, Cybertruck, Semi, and other undisclosed models. The “NC20” variant will provide more energy and is intended for use in SUVs, the Cybertruck, and future Tesla vehicles.
The “NC30” and “NC50” dry cathode batteries will feature silicon carbon in the anodes, allowing them to hold more lithium than traditional anodes. The “NC30” battery is planned for use in vehicles like the Cybertruck and an all-electric sedan, while the “NC50” variant is designed for high-performance vehicles like the next-generation Tesla Roadster. These developments indicate Tesla’s commitment to advancing battery technology for improved efficiency and performance in its electric vehicles.
Despite challenges faced in the production of next-generation batteries, Tesla is reportedly pushing forward with its dry cathode 4680 battery plans. The company’s dedication to innovation and improvement in battery technology is evident through its development of multiple variants tailored to different vehicle types and performance requirements. These efforts align with Tesla’s mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and drive the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.
Overall, Tesla’s focus on developing four variants of dry cathode 4680 batteries signals a significant advancement in battery technology for electric vehicles. With the potential reduction of cobalt in the manufacturing process and the introduction of silicon carbon in the anodes, these batteries are poised to offer improved energy storage capacity and performance. As Tesla continues to innovate and refine its battery technology, the future looks promising for electric vehicles and the overall transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
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