Panasonic Energy is ready to commence mass production of 4680 EV batteries

9 September 2024, 09:56:03

Panasonic Energy announced that it finalized preparations for mass production of the 4680 cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, marking a much-anticipated breakthrough in the industry. The company has also revamped its Wakayama factory in Western Japan, which will serve as the mother factory for the new cells. An opening ceremony was held today to commemorate the occasion. The mass production is set to start after the final evaluation.

The 4680 cell possesses five times the capacity of the 2170 cell. This extends the driving range of EVs and reduces the number of cells required for the same battery pack capacity. This results in a more efficient battery pack assembly process and ultimately lowers the cost of EVs, making them more affordable to a wider market. The manufacturing process of the 4680, with its larger capacity per cell, requires more advanced technology and expertise. Panasonic Energy has pioneered a mass production method for high-performance 4680 cells, setting a benchmark in the industry.

The Wakayama factory has transformed into a mother factory for the production of 4680 cells and will serve as a demonstration hub for new products and methods. The factory will play a key role in enhancing product quality and competitiveness, with processes newly trialed there set to be implemented globally in other factories. By March 2025, it is expected that roughly 400 staff will be involved in the development and production of next-generation batteries at the Wakayama factory.

The company has achieved carbon neutrality across all nine of the company's domestic bases as of September 2024. Panasonic Energy aims to extend this achievement to all 20 of its global bases by March 2029.

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