Tesla and Panasonic Collaborate to Develop Next-Gen Battery Cell Technology

January 7, 2010 – Vol.14 No.42

Tesla and Panasonic Collaborate to Develop Next-Gen Battery Cell Technology.

Tesla will use Panasonic’s battery cells in their newest battery packs. The cells are comprised of Nickel-based Lithium ion chemistry, the highest energy density battery cells in production today, preferred by Tesla for EV applications because of their high capacity, light weight, durability, and long life.

“Our collaboration with Panasonic will accelerate the development of next generation EV cells, enabling Tesla to further improve our battery pack performance,” said JB Straubel, Tesla’s Chief Technology Officer. “Combining Tesla’s rigorous cell testing and understanding of EV requirements with Panasonic’s cutting-edge battery technology will result in custom cells optimized for use in EVs.”

Panasonic is one of the world’s largest producers of Lithium-ion battery cells. Furthermore, Panasonic is the global leader in lithium-ion cell technology, and is midway through a 3-year USD$1 billion investment in lithium-ion battery cell R&D and production facilities. The first of the new facilities in Suminoe, Japan will begin production in April 2010.

Tesla’s current battery strategy incorporates proprietary packaging using cells from multiple battery suppliers. This new cell will also be compatible with other cell form factors to enable the continuation of Tesla’s strategy of using cells from multiple suppliers. Tesla has already delivered more than 900 cars to customers in North America and Europe.

Tesla, of San Carlos, California is currently the only carmaker producing highway-capable electric vehicles. (1/7/10)

Links:

Tesla Motors
http://www.teslamotors.com

--- Tesla to Open Power Train Development and Production Facility in Palo Alto, California.

--- Tesla Motors to Open Seven Sales & Service Centers This Summer.

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No