Panasonic and Tesla to verify 46800 battery
Firm to also launch cobalt-free battery, it says at CES 2021
Panasonic and Tesla will begin increasing energy density and secure safety on the 46800 battery they are co-developing, the Japanese maker said at CES 2021.
Panasonic has over 30 years experience in battery production and it will begin producing 46800 batteries in the not so distant future after verifying them this year, the company said.
The Japanese company said it will also product cobalt-free batteries. It will be a difficult process but was needed to overcome environmental problems, the firm said.
Panasonic said electric vehicle battery must be more than just increasing energy density and secure flexibility and competence that can meet various customer demands. There demands for EV that has fast charging speed and safety but shorter traveling distance, the Japanese company said, and battery companies must react to demand from automobile companies properly.
Panasonic has so far supplied over 3 billion cells to Tesla. The company can satisfy the supply chain needed by Tesla for a new battery factory and contribute to productivity, it said.
The company could stabilize production at Gigafactory by reevaluating its supply chain and securing materials. Tesla requires fast production and automation, Panasonic said, and it met these requirements at a timely fashion.
Panasonic has previously said it was partaking in Tesla’s 46800 battery production. It is planning to invest in a pilot line for the factory at its factory in Osaka. Production is expected to begin in 2022.