Tesla's 4680 battery cells are underperforming and frustrating buyers
5 hours ago
- #Tesla 4680 Battery
- #Battery Technology
- #Electric Vehicle Performance
- Tesla's 4680 battery cells, introduced in 2020, have underperformed promised benchmarks, showing worse energy density, charging speed, and range compared to supplier cells.
- Real-world data indicates a 13% lower energy density than Panasonic's 2170 cells and an 8% range reduction in European Model Y vehicles, with charging curves notably slower.
- The dry battery electrode process was acknowledged as a 'mistake' by Elon Musk, and a major supply contract for 4680 materials collapsed by 99.9%, signaling production struggles.
- European customers face backlash due to unannounced battery swaps in Model Y orders, leading to order cancellations and complaints about range downgrades and lack of transparency.
- Tesla's 4680 program has failed to meet initial goals, with limited deployment in vehicles like the Cybertruck and Model Y, raising doubts about its competitiveness and impact on Tesla's market lead.