The new 4680 battery from Tesla could boost the output of the EVs by anywhere between 10% and 20%. Tesla is known for making technological innovations to keep improving its already impressive products. This isn’t just limited to electric cars, but also the battery and other modern amenities like autonomous driving. While the 4680 batteries are in use in some Tesla models in some markets, this will be the slightly updated version of that battery. Let us take a look at the details of what’s new this time around.
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New Tesla 4680 Battery
This video is uploaded on YouTube by Cleanerwatt. It contains the host discussing the changes to the new Tesla 4680 battery. As per some reports online, Tesla is switching to NMC 955 chemistry from the existing NMC 811. NMC stands for Nickel Manganese Cobalt and the numbers refer to their composition. For instance, the NMC 811 represents 80% Nickel, 10% Manganese and 10% Cobalt. Therefore, the NMC 955 will have 90% Nickel, 5% Manganese and 5% Cobalt. Hence, the American EV giant is reducing Cobalt and Manganese content and increasing Nickel in their updated 4680 batteries.
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Having a higher Nickel content is bound to improve the energy density. Theoretically, this could be anywhere around 10%. Also, reducing Cobalt content is in line with the industry trends due to the concerns regarding the unethical mining of Cobalt in Congo. In addition to the new battery chemistry, Tesla is also testing asymmetric lamination on its batteries. Both these factors, in addition to some other tweaks, can result in an overall increase of energy density of around 20%.
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Author’s Note
These are clear indications of Tesla trying to improve the range on its future EVs. In fact, if we see this transition from NMC 811 to NMC 955 fairly soon, even the Cybertruck could use this and offer a much higher range than what it does at present. Note that higher EPA-estimated range figures are particularly necessary in pickup trucks since their battery depletes quite rapidly when towing heavy luggage and trailers. Still, the application will be portfolio-wide. Let us keep a close eye on when we experience the new 4680 battery from Tesla in action.