Batteries
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Tesla's primary supplier aims to ramp up mass production of the large-format cylindrical cells—to be used in the Cybertruck, Semi, and more—in 2023.
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Tesla reached a cumulative million of its new-format cells in January
Tesla may have reached a higher production level by now, ahead of a Model Y production ramp in Texas.
Stephen Edelstein -
Volvo-Northvolt joint venture battery plant due in 2025, could supply for 500,000 EVs annually
Scheduled to open in 2025, the joint-venture plant will have a "potential" annual battery cell production capacity of up to 50 gigawatt-hours, which would be enough for 500,000 EVs annually
Stephen Edelstein -
Battery firm Factorial aiming to provide cells for EV testing, claiming up to 50% range boost
Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz are among the automakers hoping to take advantage of Factorial's cell tech.
Stephen Edelstein -
GM fuel-cell tech could enable more EV fast-charging, help prevent blackouts
General Motors is looking to a partnership with a Utah company to commercialize its fuel-cell tech in mobile-generator form.
Bengt Halvorson -
Lithium is essential for modern EVs: How did the US let its production falter?
The U.S. was the leader of global lithium production until the 1990s—a decade before China ramped up production out of necessity to support personal electronics and, later, the mass-production of EVs.
Stephen Edelstein -
Researchers found that "islands" of lithium could be moved back toward the electrodes, reestablishing an electrical connection and allowing further use.
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Toyota plans solid-state battery debut in a hybrid by 2025—future Prius?
Toyota is working toward the first use of true solid-state battery technology on its hybrids or plug-in hybrids—not on battery electric models.
Stephen Edelstein -
Does Mercedes EQXX concept signal a shift to air-cooling for EV batteries?
Passive cooling hasn't worked especially well for the Nissan Leaf, but Mercedes is giving it some serious thought for future production EVs.
Bengt Halvorson -
Cold weather affects EV range differently for each model: Here are some examples
Not all EVs are the same in cold-weather range loss. Battery chemistry, thermal strategies, and heat pumps are three aspects that cause different model EVs to respond quite differently to frigid temps.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: Market for recycling used EV batteries won't heat up until 2030
A shortage of battery packs to recycle will leave companies trying to build a business model "scrambling" for them until early next decade.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: EV battery costs hit another low in 2021, but they might rise in 2022
Rising battery costs rising from a 2021 low of $132/kwh could slow EV adoption as well as push back the price parity with internal combustion, BNEF warns.
Stephen Edelstein -
Factorial's chemistry is compatible with "conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing environments," which could help keep costs down.
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Nissan aims for 15 EVs by 2030, solid state batteries by 2028
Nissan and Infiniti reveal investment in solid state batteries and plan 23 EVs and hybrids within the decade.
Stephen Edelstein -
Northvolt claims first EV battery cell with 100% recycled nickel, manganese, cobalt
Sweden's Northvolt claims that the recycled materials perform on par with newly produced metals in production cells.
Stephen Edelstein -
Used Nissan Leaf batteries are already making money as power brokers
A California company is showing the template for whole used battery packs from Nissan Leaf EVs to be used as megawatt-hour grid storage.
Stephen Edelstein -
Mass-producing Tesla 4680 cells "requires new techniques," Panasonic says
The larger format batteries that Tesla is depending on will be coming next year from the EV maker's top supplier.
Stephen Edelstein -
Fisker Ocean will use CATL cells, charge at more than 250 kw
The Fisker Ocean, due to be assembled in Austria, will use CATL LFP cells in its most affordable form and still be capable of charges peaking beyond 250 kw. Updated charge times haven't yet been released.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tech that could speed up assembly and perhaps simplify EV design is being adopted for potential use within the Hyundai Motor Company family.
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Report: Panasonic preparing to make 4680 cells for Tesla in 2022, test production as soon as March
With Tesla planning to use the large format in a range of products, starting with the Model Y, they could be put to good use soon.
Stephen Edelstein -
Apple seeks LFP batteries, but talks with leading suppliers BYD and CATL have reportedly stalled
The latest obstacle for Apple's troubled electric car project is reportedly battery procurement.
Stephen Edelstein -
Tesla plans shift to LFP cells for Model 3 and Model Y, likely with US production
Battery packs for the Standard Range versions of the Model y and Model 3 will soon get LFP battery packs for the U.S. and Europe, not just China, Tesla hinted.
Stephen Edelstein -
Made-in-America batteries might power electric Ram pickup, Dodge muscle car
Stellantis is forming a joint venture for batteries with LG—and the timing fits the arrival of some key EVs from Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: Nickel shortage could pinch EV battery supplies, affect costs
A report from Norway suggests the breaking point for a global nickel shortage by 2024—potentially affecting EV supply or forcing automakers to shift to other cell types.
Stephen Edelstein