Tesla Hits Major Milestone with 100 Million 4680 Battery Cells: What It Means for the Future of EVs
Tesla journey to revolutionize electric vehicle batteries has hit a significant milestone.
Tesla’s journey to revolutionize electric vehicle batteries has hit a significant milestone. Almost four years after unveiling its new 4680 battery cells at its 2020 Battery Day event, Tesla has now reached an astonishing production achievement: 100 million cells produced. This rapid progress signals a breakthrough that could dramatically shape the future of electric vehicles (EVs). Here’s why it’s a game-changer.
Why the 4680 Cells Matter
The 4680 battery is Tesla’s answer to achieving greater energy density, lower costs, and eventually producing an affordable $25,000 EV. The larger form factor and tabless design allow for more efficient energy storage, reducing the cost per kilowatt-hour. This makes it easier for Tesla to scale production and lower prices across its entire vehicle lineup.
However, the road to perfecting this new battery wasn’t smooth. Tesla acquired Maxwell Technologies in 2019 to integrate a special dry coating process into the production of these cells. Despite years of effort, the manufacturing process for the 4680s faced significant challenges. Tesla CEO Elon Musk even gave the team an ultimatum earlier this year: Fix the issues by the end of 2023 or risk abandoning the project altogether.
Accelerating Production: From 1 Million to 100 Million Cells
Tesla’s perseverance seems to be paying off. In January 2022, Tesla celebrated producing its first 1 million 4680 cells. By June 2023, production had accelerated to 10 million cells—an impressive leap, but the real explosion came shortly after. By June 2024, Tesla had reached a milestone of 50 million cells, and just 101 days later, the company doubled its total, hitting 100 million cells in September 2024.
This is a dramatic increase in production, from around 562,000 cells per month in early 2023 to a staggering 495,000 cells per day by late 2024.
Key Production Milestones:
| Date | Total Cells Produced | Average Production Rate |
|---|---|---|
| January 2022 | 1 million | ~562,000 cells/month |
| June 2023 | 10 million | ~833,000 cells/month |
| June 2024 | 50 million | ~1.6 million cells/month |
| September 2024 | 100 million | ~495,000 cells/day |
What’s Driving the Surge in Production?
Tesla’s recent ramp-up may signal that the company has finally overcome the manufacturing challenges that have plagued the 4680 cells. In July 2024, Tesla began validation testing of its first dry cathode 4680 cells using a prototype Cybertruck. This suggests that Tesla is satisfied with the performance of the cells, though it’s unclear whether the production spike is tied to the new dry cathode technology or simply a more efficient process of the current cells.
The real significance here is that Tesla has produced enough 4680 cells to build nearly 60,000 Cybertrucks, hinting at the company’s potential to mass-produce this highly anticipated vehicle and other models.
Tesla’s Cost-Reduction Goals
Tesla has long made it clear that reducing production costs is a top priority. The 4680 battery cell is crucial in this strategy. By ramping up production of these cells, Tesla can lower the overall cost of manufacturing its vehicles. If the company has truly perfected the process, this could be a pivotal moment in making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to the general public.
What’s Next for Tesla and the 4680 Cells?
With production now accelerating at a breakneck pace, Tesla is well-positioned to lower prices on its entire vehicle lineup. The company’s goal of producing a $25,000 EV is now closer to reality. Additionally, the 4680 cells will likely be the cornerstone of the Cybertruck and other upcoming Tesla models, offering more range and faster charging at a lower cost.
Tesla’s 100-million-cell milestone marks a new era for the company, showcasing its ability to innovate and solve complex manufacturing problems at scale. As production continues to accelerate, the 4680 battery could become the industry standard, driving down the cost of EVs worldwide.
Tesla’s 4680 vs. Traditional EV Battery Cells
| Feature | 4680 Battery Cells | Traditional Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | Higher | Lower |
| Manufacturing Cost | Lower (eventually) | Higher |
| Production Efficiency | Rapidly increasing | Standard |
| Time to Charge (with fast charger) | Faster charging | Slower |
| Tesla Model Compatibility | Cybertruck, future EVs | Older Tesla models |
Tesla’s 4680 battery is set to revolutionize EVs by making them more affordable, efficient, and capable of offering longer ranges—all while lowering production costs. If Tesla continues to scale up production at this pace, the future of electric transportation could arrive faster than anyone anticipated.
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