Earlier this year, Tesla officially announced that it had begun mass production of 4680 batteries. 4680 battery, with a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm, has larger volume and higher energy than the single battery in the current market. It is an important technical development direction of cylindrical battery.
As one of the power battery manufacturers that cooperate most closely with Tesla, Panasonic is a firm supporter of the technical route of cylindrical battery. In 2010, Panasonic began mass production of 1865 round batteries. In 2016, Panasonic began mass production of 2170 batteries with larger capacity than 1865. Now it is also accumulating power for the launch of 4680 batteries.
"4680 battery will become the main force of circular battery in the future. High quality and high safety are the strengths of Panasonic battery." On March 26, Nan Jianxiong, the representative director, President, CEO and CSO of Panasonic electric appliance group, said at the 2022 China electric vehicle hundred people's conference forum.
Zhao Bingdi, President of Panasonic electric (China) Co., Ltd., said in an interview with the 21st Century Business Herald reporter that Panasonic's 4680 battery has entered the stage of practical operation and gradual large-scale production from R & D. in the next step, he looks forward to seeking new cooperation with host manufacturers including China.
"The circular battery has corresponding advantages in terms of manufacturing uniformity and safety performance. In fact, 4680 can also maximize the effective and continuous use of those small-size devices in the past. The income of the whole investment should be relatively ideal." Zhao Bingdi said.
In addition to cylindrical batteries, cobalt free batteries are another important direction of Panasonic technology research and development.
Nanjian Xionggui revealed that Panasonic will strive to achieve mass production of cobalt free batteries within three years.
"Panasonic has carried out research for many years to realize the R & D and investment of cobalt free. So far, we should have completed the technical route. In the later application, we will import it into industrialization in combination with the future market." Zhao Bingdi said.
Tesla and Panasonic have taken the lead in the field of cylindrical batteries. Chinese local battery enterprises have also made some breakthroughs in battery structure optimization in the past. Among them, the most representative ones are Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.Limited(300750) CTP technology and Byd Company Limited(002594) blade battery technology.
"Through continuous technical iteration, catl has launched the third generation CTP technology, which we internally call Kirin battery. Its system weight, energy density and bulk energy density continue to lead the industry's highest level. Under the same chemical system and the same battery pack size, the power of Kirin battery pack can be increased by 13% compared with 4680 system." On March 26, Wu Kai, chief scientist of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.Limited(300750) said at the 2022 electric vehicle forum.
It is revealed that the third generation CTP technology, taking into account the advantages of high speed, nondestructive, safety and high efficiency, is suitable for lithium iron phosphate and ternary batteries, covering the fields of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.Limited(300750) relevant people told the 21st Century Business Herald reporter that there will be a detailed official announcement on Kirin battery next month.
