Tesla’s Battery Day was one of the most highly anticipated events the automaker has ever held. The anticipation was only magnified by multiple delays that eventually leading to the event being combined with the Annual Shareholder Meeting.
The hype was worth it as CEO Elon Musk and VP of Technology Drew Baglino unveiled a new battery design that will radically transform Tesla and the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The new 4680 tabless cell will dramatically increase range through increased energy density and more power. The new design also increases manufacturing efficiency, resulting in reduced production costs.
Nobody's done it before "how do we make a freaking tabless cell" #BatteryDay pic.twitter.com/0tL5a8oSzi
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 🔋 (@DriveTeslaca) September 22, 2020
According to data presented during the event, the design measure in at 46 millimeters wide by 80 millimeters long. It will increase energy density by 5x, increase range by 16%, and improve power output by 6x.
16% more range! Only due to this particular innovation (tabless), so the actual total improvement will be much more #BatteryDay pic.twitter.com/dmluBR9oK8
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 🔋 (@DriveTeslaca) September 22, 2020
Tesla is already producing the new cell at their Kato Road facility just down the road from the Fremont factory. Musk said they are already ramping up production to 10GWh, which they hope to achieve in about one year.
With the efficiency of the design, the cost to manufacture will also be reduced. According to Musk, the new cell will reduce the price per kWh by 14%, which will eventually help Tesla reach price parity with conventional gas cars.
Tesla also revealed more details about the Plaid Model S at Battery Day, which you can read more about here.
