Tesla just lately introduced an intention to make use of its all-new 4680-type cylindrical battery cells in battery vitality storage techniques (BEES), just like the Megapack, Powerpack, or perhaps even Powerwall.
The brand new kind of cell is at present used solely within the Tesla Mannequin Y produced in Texas (not less than a few of them, because the manufacturing unit additionally makes vehicles powered by 2170-type cells).
It is an fascinating factor, as a result of so far as we all know, the present Tesla in-house 4680 cells are primarily based on the NCM 811 cathode chemistry, whereas within the case of BEES, the corporate wish to make a transition from NCA/NCM to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry.
If we perceive it appropriately, the following era vitality storage techniques from Tesla can be LFP, however in a 4680 cell format. In any other case, if Tesla would stick to the NCA or NCM, then there can be no transition to LFP. The third state of affairs is a mixture of merchandise – 4680-type cells (NCA/NCM) in some merchandise, and prismatic LFP cells in some merchandise.
The information was shared by the best way of the announcement of the new $3.6 billion funding on the Tesla Giga Nevada, which is able to deliver 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) battery cell manufacturing (4680-type) to the manufacturing unit. The plant already produces 37+ GWh of 2170-type cells yearly (in partnership with Panasonic).
Tesla Giga Nevada: Growth Plans
Tesla Giga Texas: 4680-type battery cell manufacturing (Tesla This autumn 2022 report)
100 GWh is an enormous quantity of batteries. Tesla estimates that it is sufficient for 1.5 million light-duty automobiles.
However, if the corporate plans to supply as much as 50,000 Tesla Semi per yr (in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later), and one truck requires as much as 900-1,000 kWh of batteries (within the 500-mile vary model), then we’re speaking about 50 GWh/yr for the Semi alone.
The remaining 50 GWh/yr could be used for native manufacturing of battery vitality storage techniques. Tesla may even require 40 GWh of batteries for its new Megapack manufacturing unit in Lathrop, California.
Within the long-term, the Giga Nevada plant would possibly produce as much as 500 GWh of 4680-type battery cells (it might require additional investments), whereas the corporate can be at 1,000 GWh/yr globally. Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk hints that perhaps it’s going to even attain 2,000-3,000 GWh/yr yearly sometime (excluding exterior suppliers).
Tesla Giga Nevada part two funding:
- $3.6 billion
- 4680-type cylindrical battery cell manufacturing
100 GWh/yr initially (as much as 500 GWh/yr sooner or later) - Tesla Semi manufacturing
- 3,000 further jobs
The plant is already producing 2170-type cylindrical battery cells (in partnership with Panasonic) at round 37+ GWh/yr, battery modules and packs, vitality storage merchandise, and drive models/energy electronics.
Up to now, the plant produced 7.3 billion battery cells, 1.5 million EV battery packs, 3.6 million drive models, and 1 million vitality storage modules (14+ GWh).
Tesla Giga Nevada part one funding:
- $6.2 billion
- 5.4 million sq. toes facility
- 11,000 staff