TESLA IMPROVES LITHIUM-ION BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

Tesla is a global pioneer in shifting automotive industry from traditional gasoline powered vehicles to lithium ion battery pack powered transportation. Musk has exclaimed that the Tesla Battery technology is “the highest energy density cell in the world and also the cheapest.” Yet, as an industry disrupter, part of Tesla’s vision has been to constantly evaluate new battery technologies. Back in 2013, Ted Merendino, a Tesla product planner, noted that “Tesla has one of the largest cell characterization laboratories in the world. We have just about every cell you can imagine on test.”

Telsa don’t stop here.

Tesla don’t stop there,when it comes to improving lithium-ion technology and reducing battery costs. There have been reports recently that Tesla’s battery partners Panasonic announced: “we believe that the current technology can still be expanded, the lithium ion battery energy density can be enlarged to 20% to 30%. It is known to the public that energy density and safety are always hard to balance. So, if you are looking for more density, you must consider additional security technology, as well as battery cost. So Solid-state batteries is an answer.”  

But many believe mass production of solid-state batteries are still years to come. In other words, there are other next-generation solutions that could be implemented quickly, right? It turns out that Tesla has a world-class battery expert, Jeff Dahn, in countless potential solutions . And dagen recently explained: “it’s our mission to double Tesla lithium ion battery cell life… is the goal of the project, it has never been over. We will not stop… we will do everything we can.” Mr. Dahn says his new lithium ion battery pack technology has entered the company’s new generation of auto cars. “

Tesla’s new lithium-ion battery will soon appear in Tesla model 3. In addition to improve the battery chemistry, have lower costs for local “Tesla has become the biggest buyers of lithium ion battery, now [Gigafactory] this is trying to become the largest manufacturer in lithium ion batteries.” Kurt Kelty, tesla’s battery technology, senior director, is looking for raw material purchasing economies of scale: “lithium nickel, usain bolt, graphite, [service] as the total cost of the battery’s largest cost drivers.” Tesla has already confirmed that Tesla has reduced overall battery costs by 35 percent.

What has happend?

Visual capitalist also points out possible improvements – another battery cathode, cathode choice is to determine the main factors of the battery energy density, and the cathode is usually 25% of the cost of lithium-ion batteries. This means that the cathode can affect the performance and cost $/ KWH equation – and build a better cathode could be the key to the success of the driving force for a green revolution… The cathode development has many exciting prospects. These include a composite structure or a protosilicate layer of building cathode, as well as the improvement of the basic materials used for cathode components. “

Visual capitalist pointed out: “the choice of cathode will greatly affect battery energy density, power density, safety, cycle life and cost, which is why researchers experimented with a new idea and the combination of reason… with the use of these new technologies, will continue to reduce the cost of the lithium ion battery. In fact, experts say, before long the battery will be $80 / KWH cost will make electric cars – [the electric car is much cheaper than traditional gasoline car] there is no denying the fact”. It has been more clear that changing the cathode can represent further improvements in lithium-ion batteries.