Panasonic has announced its is ready to begin mass production of Tesla’s 4680 battery cells. The production of these cells, which will take place at Panasonic’s Wakayama plant in Japan, comes after years of development and preparation.
Panasonic’s development of the 4680 battery cells for Tesla traces back to Tesla’s Battery Day in 2020, where the automaker first unveiled the 4680 format. These larger, cylindrical lithium-ion cells were designed to offer five times the energy capacity of the older 2170 cells, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase vehicle range.
Panasonic, one of Tesla’s long-time battery supplier, quickly committed to producing the 4680 cells. In 2021, the company announced plans to set up production lines for the 4680 cells at its Wakayama factory in Japan.
By 2022, Panasonic was sending samples of the 4680 cells to Tesla, while also revealing plans for additional battery factories, such as a $4 billion facility in Kansas, to meet growing demand. However, production delays occurred in 2023 due to ongoing process improvements aimed at enhancing the cells’ performance and competitiveness.
On Monday, Panasonic announced it is finally ready to begin mass production of the 4680 cells for Tesla. The company held an opening ceremony at the Wakayama facility, saying mass production would begin there “after the final evaluation.”
“I am excited that we are ready to start the mass production of the cutting-edge 4680 cell. This milestone is the result of years of expertise in cylindrical lithium-ion battery manufacturing. I’m confident it will significantly revolutionize the battery and EV industry. As we add the 4680 cell to our lineup, we’ll cater to a broader range of needs, further promoting the use of EVs and advancing our mission of fostering a sustainable society,” saud Kazuo Tadanobu, President and Executive Officer, Panasonic Energy.
Panasonic’s Wakayama plant has undergone significant renovations to serve as the “mother factory” for 4680 battery cell production. The facility will not only focus on manufacturing the new cells but will also function as a demonstration center for the development and refinement of new production methods.
These processes will eventually be implemented in other Panasonic battery factories around the world, including the company’s upcoming $4 billion plant in Kansas, which is set to begin production next year.
By March 2025, the Wakayama plant is expected to employ around 400 staff, all working on the development and mass production of 4680 cells.
