Tesla's Battery Day: new battery - 4680, new structure, optimized production, Model S Plaid, a future 25,000 EV

23 September 2020, 01:42:32

Tesla's 2020 Shareholders Meeting was a lengthy event with many proceedings before the interesting part actually began - the "Battery Day" part. There are five important pieces of information that one could take from this event:

Tesla has developed a new battery dubbed 4680
The so called structural battery is unveiled
Battery production is optizmied to reduce costs by the using of raw silicone
2021 Model S Plaid is unveiled with availability scheduled for the end of 2021
There's a new Tesla EV in the works that will cost USD 25,000

Tesla's 4680 tabless battery is official

Tesla has developed a new battery cell that's tabless. It is bigger in size - 46 mm by 80 mm, hence the name. Compared to Tesla's older cell models it exceeds sixfold their power and fivefold their energy capacity. In terms of range, this would increase it by 16%, according to Tesla. The new cell is also 14% per kWh cheaper to produce. By 2022, the Tesla Pilot Plant will be producing 100 GWh per year from the 4680 cells. By 2030, the company will achieve a 3 TWh production capacity.

Optimized vehicles structure and battery production

Tesla has unveiled its "structural battery" design. In its essence, this means it has created a mid-body casing that will house the battery cells and they will, ultimately, become a part of the vehicle's body. To achieve that, Tesla has created a special high-strength aluminum alloy for the casing that will not be prone to deformation and remain lightweight. As a result, vehicles will become more lightweight (10% reduction in weight) and this will lead to an extended range.

Optimized battery production to reduce costs

Tesla said that it has started using raw silicone in the production process. As a result, this cuts 37% of the cost per kWh for the 4680 cell. The pure cost reduction from this move is 5%.

2021 Model S Plaid goes official

The 2021 Model S Plaid offers more than 520 miles of range. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. The vehicle has a tri-motor AWD design. The model is listed on Tesla's website priced at $139,990 before savings even though it will be available in late 2021 at the earliest.

A new Tesla EV for 25,000 is in the works

Elon Musk said that Tesla is working on a new EV model that will be priced at 25,000. Probably that will be the starting price. The new car will be equipped with the new 4680 cells and is expected to be official in a three-year's time. The EV will also be "fully autnomous."

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