Tesla is making headlines, confirming a significant breakthrough in 4680 battery cell production at Gigafactory Texas. The business has reached the incredible milestone of creating its 20 millionth battery cell at this cutting-edge plant in just four months. This achievement represents a huge advance for Tesla and its ambitious electric vehicle initiatives, particularly the eagerly awaited Cybertruck.
The Groundbreaking 4680 Battery Cell
The 4680 battery cell is a groundbreaking invention created to improve Tesla’s electric vehicles’ range, power, and longevity. It was unveiled during Tesla’s Battery Day in 2020. The automaker has been working relentlessly to bring this new battery design into full-scale production. Its potential to reduce battery costs by over 50% has been a game-changer in the electric vehicle industry.
Until now, Tesla has kept its 4680 battery cell production rates closely guarded. However, the recent announcement sheds light on the company’s production capabilities. It is estimated that Tesla has been producing an average of 625,000 cells per week. Given the continued production advancements and optimizations, it is likely believed that the present manufacturing rate exceeds this number. It may be exceeding 800,000 cells each week.
We just built our 20 millionth 4680 cell at Giga, Texas! pic.twitter.com/6PCD6UC9PS
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2023
Unlocking Gigafactory Texas Potential
At the Gigafactory Texas, Tesla produces roughly 80 megawatt-hours (MWh) of 4680 battery cells each week, with each cell having a capacity of about 26 ampere-hours (Ah). With a 65 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack capacity, this production volume is sufficient to construct more than 1,200 automobiles weekly. This number might be cut in half for the upcoming Cybertruck, which might have a bigger battery pack, but the potential is still great.
Electric Dreams Coming True
This historic accomplishment demonstrates Tesla’s dedication to electric car innovation. The current milestone is a step in the right way, as firm CEO Elon Musk stressed the significance of 4680 batteries in the company’s future ambitions. Different battery chemistries, such as 4680 cells for longer-range and utility-focused vehicles and LFP cells for standard-range vehicles, show Tesla’s adaptability and commitment to satisfying a range of customer needs.
Strategic Choices
While some Texas-made Model Y vehicles already have 4680 cells installed, Tesla may be purposefully saving a substantial percentage for the future Cybertruck. The production and delivery of this electric pickup truck are scheduled to start by the end of the year, making it an obvious application for the groundbreaking 4680 cells. Of course, this is only conjecture, but it fits Tesla’s goal of maximizing battery consumption.
Tesla’s achievement of producing 20 million 4680 battery cells at Gigafactory Texas is a remarkable milestone that propels the electric vehicle industry into the future. As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of EV technology, the availability of 4680 cells will play a pivotal role in realizing the company’s ambitious goals. With this latest accomplishment, Tesla is one step closer to electrifying the world’s transportation and making sustainable energy a reality.
