“Game-changing” 4680 battery goes into production

A new type of lithium-ion battery – dubbed 4680, and previously hailed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the key to cheaper electric cars – is set to enter limited production.

The 4680 name refers to the battery's diameter and height, at 46mm and 80mm respectively.

It's this relatively large size – alongside claims of improved power density – that is purported to cut costs by as much as 14 per cent, with fewer cells required to build a full-size pack.

Japanese tech giant Panasonic has confirmed it will begin manufacturing trials in the coming weeks, and confirmed plans to set up a prototype production line "early" this year. 

A timeline for mass production is yet to be locked in.

However, following its 2021 earnings call earlier this week, Panasonic told US media it would prioritise supply for Tesla vehicles while also negotiating with other manufacturers.

While the new technology has been hailed as a major step towards lowering the cost of entry for environmentally-friendly vehicles, electric car specialist Tesla recently confirmed it had paused plans to build a more affordable hatchback – tentatively dubbed the 'Model 2' – for the immediate future.

However, 4680 batteries could still be fitted the existing range – comprising the Model 3 sedan, Model S sedan, Model Y SUV, and Model X SUV – to bring down prices and improve efficiency.