Everything You Need to Know About the 4680 Battery

The world of battery technology is changing fast, and one of the most exciting developments is the 4680 battery. This new type of battery has been making headlines for its potential to transform various industries, from electric cars to green energy. In this article, we will explore what the 4680 battery is, how it works, and why it matters for the future of energy storage. So, let's get started and discover the next generation of batteries.

How Battery Technology Has Evolved

Battery technology has come a long way since its inception. The 4680 battery is a prime example of this evolution. With a bigger size and better features, it aims to overcome some of the limitations of conventional batteries.

What Is the 4680 Battery?

The 4680 battery is a new kind of cylindrical lithium-ion battery that is designed to power electric vehicles. It gets its name from its dimensions—46 millimeters in diameter and 80 millimeters in height. This larger size allows it to store more energy and handle more heat, making it ideal for high-performance applications.

How Tesla Popularized the 4680 Battery

Tesla, a leading company in the electric vehicle market, has been one of the first adopters of the 4680 battery. The company announced its plans to use these batteries in its vehicles at its Battery Day event in September 2020. Tesla expects that these batteries will enable longer ranges, faster charging times, and better overall performance for its electric cars.

How the 4680 Battery Beats Traditional Batteries

The 4680 battery offers several benefits over its predecessors. These include:

•  Higher energy density: This means that the 4680 battery can store more energy per unit volume or weight than other batteries. This results in longer driving ranges and lower battery weights for electric vehicles.

•  Higher power density: This means that the 4680 battery can deliver more power per unit volume or weight than other batteries. This results in faster acceleration and higher performance for electric vehicles.

•  Better thermal performance: This means that the 4680 battery can handle more heat generation and dissipation than other batteries. This results in improved safety and efficiency for electric vehicles.

•  Lower cost: This means that the 4680 battery can reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of batteries by more than 50%, which could lower the overall cost of electric vehicles and make them more affordable.

To illustrate these benefits, here are some examples:

•  A Tesla Model 3 with a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack using traditional cells has a range of about 350 miles (560 kilometers) and a weight of about 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms). A Tesla Model 3 with a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack using 4680 cells could have a range of about 406 miles (653 kilometers) and a weight of about 3,600 pounds (1,630 kilograms).

•  A Tesla Model S Plaid with a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack using traditional cells has a power output of about 1,020 horsepower (760 kilowatts) and an acceleration of zero to 60 miles per hour (zero to 97 kilometers per hour) in about two seconds. A Tesla Model S Plaid with a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack using 4680 cells could have a power output of about 6,120 horsepower (4,560 kilowatts) and an acceleration of zero to 60 miles per hour (zero to 97 kilometers per hour) in about one second.

•  A Tesla Model Y with a $50,000 price tag using traditional cells has a battery cost of about $10,000 (assuming $200 per kilowatt-hour). A Tesla Model Y with a $50,000 price tag using 4680 cells could have a battery cost of about $8,600 (assuming $172 per kilowatt-hour).

These examples are based on theoretical calculations and assumptions, and may not reflect the actual performance and cost of electric vehicles using 4680 batteries. However, they show the potential advantages and impacts of the 4680 battery for electric vehicles.