Panasonic is working on a breakthrough electric vehicle (EV) battery that could significantly boost the range of Tesla’s most popular models within the next two years. The Japanese electronics giant, one of Tesla’s key battery suppliers, announced that it is developing an “anode-free” cell design that promises a major leap in energy density and efficiency.
Anode-Free Design Targets Higher Capacity
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that require an anode during production, Panasonic’s new approach eliminates the anode at the manufacturing stage. Instead, a lithium metal anode forms inside the cell during its first charge. By removing the need for a dedicated anode structure, Panasonic can pack more active cathode materials—nickel, cobalt, and aluminum—into the same cell size. (via Reuters)
This design shift could increase capacity by up to 25%, according to company executives. For Tesla, that could translate into a range increase of nearly 145 km (90 miles) for the Model Y, its most affordable and best-selling SUV, without enlarging the battery pack.
Dual Benefits: Longer Range or Lower Cost
Panasonic emphasized that the technology could be applied in two ways: extend range without changing battery size, or maintain today’s driving distances with smaller, lighter packs. The latter option could lead to reduced vehicle weight and potentially lower costs, a key factor as automakers battle to make EVs more affordable.
While the company declined to comment on production costs, Panasonic said it is also working to cut down the proportion of nickel required in each battery. Nickel is one of the more expensive materials used in battery manufacturing, and lowering its share could help reduce overall costs.
Shoichiro Watanabe, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Energy, is set to provide further details about the development later this week. Early indications suggest the company believes its version of the technology could deliver a “world-leading level” of performance by 2027.
