Tesla will use Panasonic battery cells in its newest battery packs. These cells are comprised of nickel-based lithium ion, preferred by Tesla for EV applications because of their high capacity, light weight, durability and long life, Tesla said.
J Straubel, chief technology officer of Tesla, said: “Our collaboration with Panasonic will accelerate the development of next generation EV cells, enabling Tesla to further improve our battery pack performance. 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.”
Naoto Noguchi, president of Panasonic Energy, said: “Being selected by Tesla to provide cells for their current and next- generation EV battery pack is a tremendous validation of Panasonic’s nickel-based chemistry and the extensive investments Panasonic continues to make in lithium ion R&D and production.”
Panasonic, a battery cell manufacturer, is midway through a 3-year $1bn investment in lithium-ion battery cell R&D and production facilities. A new facility in Suminoe, Japan, will begin production in April 2010.
