Published On Mar 18, 2023
The news of Elon Musk's all-new battery technology is a game changer for the entire industry. Lithium-ion batteries have been used for years in a variety of devices, but they are now being replaced by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This shift is being driven by a number of factors, such as high-profile battery fires, environmental concerns, and the rising cost of its namesake material. Tesla's plan to use LFP batteries in their cars is leading the way for other electric vehicle makers to follow suit.
The new battery technology, called the 4680 battery cell, is made using a dry electrode process. This process eliminates the need for a wet slurry of chemicals, which reduces the size of the battery factory and cuts the energy needed to make batteries by a lot. It also eliminates the need to recover harmful chemicals. This could result in cheaper batteries and make electric cars more affordable.
However, perfecting the dry coating process is proving to be more difficult than expected. Panasonic is piloting the 4680 battery cell in their factory in Wakayama, Japan and LG plans to open a new 4680 production line in the second half of 2023. Tesla is also trying out the dry coating process in their pilot factory in Fremont, California and they are making progress. They have reportedly signed agreements with China's Ningbo Ronbay New Energy and Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing to help reduce the cost of materials.
The implications of this new battery technology for the tech industry are huge. Cheaper batteries could make electric cars more affordable, which would be a huge step in the transition to electric transportation. It could also lead to more efficient devices, such as laptops and phones, and could make a huge impact on the energy sector with the potential for more efficient energy storage.
The future of this new battery technology is exciting, and we can't wait to see what it will bring. The possibilities seem endless, and we can only hope that Elon Musk's dreams of cheaper and more efficient batteries become a reality.
