As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, Panasonic Energy is making significant strides in meeting the industry’s needs. The Japanese supplier, long associated with Tesla, has finalized preparations for mass-producing its high-capacity 4680 EV batteries. This development marks a crucial step in Panasonic’s strategy to support automakers with cutting-edge battery technology, promising enhanced performance and efficiency.
The 4680 Battery: A Game Changer for EVs
Panasonic’s new 4680 battery cells are set to revolutionize the EV market. With five times the capacity of the smaller 2170 cylindrical batteries, these larger cells boast a diameter of 46mm and a height of 80mm. The increased capacity allows automakers to extend the driving range of their vehicles while using fewer cells to achieve the same battery pack capacity. This innovation not only promises to improve the efficiency of EVs but also aligns with the industry’s goals of reducing manufacturing costs and optimizing energy use.
Wakayama Plant Leads the Charge
The Wakayama plant, located in Japan’s western prefecture, is at the heart of Panasonic Energy’s 4680 battery production. Recently renovated to serve as the main factory for this initiative, the plant will commence mass production once it receives approval from automaker clients. Panasonic has already sent samples of the 4680 cells to its automotive partners and is awaiting the green light to begin full-scale manufacturing.
During a ceremony marking the completion of production preparations, Panasonic Energy CEO Kazuo Tadanobu emphasized the global EV market’s expected growth over the medium to long term. The Wakayama plant will employ approximately 400 staff dedicated to developing and producing these new batteries by March 2025. Furthermore, the plant will serve as a testing ground for processes that Panasonic may implement in other battery factories worldwide.
Panasonic Expanding Globally
Tesla, one of Panasonic’s key clients, has already begun producing its own 4680 batteries but faces challenges in scaling production quickly enough to meet demand, particularly for the recently launched Cybertruck. Panasonic’s efforts to produce these cells at scale are expected to alleviate some of these bottlenecks, contributing to Tesla’s ongoing expansion in the EV market.
In addition to its operations in Japan, Panasonic is building its second U.S. battery plant in Kansas, set to begin production next year. This plant will complement its existing facility in Nevada, further strengthening Panasonic’s position as a leading battery supplier in the North American market.
Panasonic Energy’s commitment to advancing EV technology extends beyond the 4680 battery cells. The company already produces 2170 and 1860 cylindrical EV batteries at its Suminoe and Kaizuka plants in Japan. Moreover, Panasonic and automaker Subaru recently announced plans to establish a new plant in Gunma prefecture, north of Tokyo, dedicated to supplying automotive batteries by the 2028 business year.
As the global EV market continues to evolve, Panasonic Energy’s innovations and strategic expansions position the company as a critical player in the industry’s future. With the upcoming mass production of 4680 batteries, Panasonic wants to make a lasting impact on the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles worldwide.
