Panasonic develops new battery technology, Tesla Model Y's range is expected to increase by another 145 kilometers

[PCauto] Panasonic recently announced that it is developing a new type of anode-free, high-capacity electric vehicle battery. This innovative design is expected to achieve mass production by the end of 2027.

According to preliminary data, this battery has the potential to extend the range of the Tesla Model Y by approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) while optimizing materials and simplifying the structure to enhance energy density and possibly reduce manufacturing costs.

What innovations have been made in the anode-free battery?

The core innovation of the anode-free battery lies in the elimination of the traditional anode structure during the manufacturing process.

During the first charge, the lithium metal anode is naturally formed through a chemical reaction, thus freeing up more space to accommodate high-activity cathode materials such as nickel, cobalt, and aluminum. This design enables the battery to increase capacity without increasing volume, with the energy density expected to improve by 25%, reaching a world-leading level.

Panasonic plans to further reduce the proportion of nickel to control costs and explore the possibility of compatibility with low-cost materials such as sodium ions. This helps enhance supply chain stability and reduce reliance on rare metals.

This battery can bring a significant range advantage to the Tesla Model Y

If the current battery pack size remains unchanged, the range can be increased by 145 kilometers; alternatively, Panasonic could choose to reduce the battery pack volume by about 15%, thereby reducing the overall vehicle weight and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the current range level.

The Tesla Model Y currently comes with a 75kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 688 kilometers. The new battery may increase the capacity to 95kWh, pushing the range beyond 800 kilometers.

Panasonic is expected to achieve mass production by the end of 2027

The new battery is still in the technology validation phase, with key challenges including improving cycle life and addressing short-circuit risks.

Currently, laboratory samples from Panasonic have only achieved 300 cycles, while the target is over 800 cycles. Additionally, the new battery is facing challenges related to short-circuit risks caused by lithium dendrite formation.

Even so, Panasonic estimates that the new battery can achieve mass production by the end of 2027. Panasonic is actively advancing production capacity plans, including upgrading its Wakayama factory in Japan and planning to build a new factory in Oklahoma, USA, to meet the demands of Tesla and other automakers.

In addition, Panasonic is also concurrently developing solid-state batteries, with plans to launch samples in 2027, targeting applications in industrial robots and high-temperature equipment.

Overall, the successful implementation of Panasonic's anode-free battery technology will significantly enhance the performance and economic efficiency of electric vehicles, but mass production progress and cost control remain key uncertainties.