Japanese tech giant Panasonic announced plans to develop and launch the newest version of its popular 2170 battery cells “as early as this year,” Bloomberg reports, citing chief technology officer Shoichiro Watanabe.
Revamped 2170 cell plans
Mr. Shoichiro Watanabe, the chief technology officer of Panasonic’s energy business, has just confirmed in an interview with the global media platform that the company will soon introduce a revamped version of the 2170 cells.
The Japanese battery giant aims to produce the upgraded battery cells at its existing production plant with Tesla in Nevada as early as “2014 or 2025.” According to Panasonic, the upgraded 2170 cells will offer higher energy density while lowering overcall vehicle costs.
Panasonic previously set a goal of boosting its production capacity fourfold in fiscal year 2030. Despite this, CTO Wataname said that there is no need for Panasonic to fully depend on heavy investments such as new facilities.
“We will expand battery capacity and improve productivity at the same time.”
CTO Shoichiro Watanabe
Production target
As mentioned, Panasonic aims to increase its battery production capacity from just 50 GWh to 200 GWh by FY 2030.
In that sense, the company is heavily expanding in the North American market. It is also working on thicker and larger 4680 cells, featuring 40-millimeter diameter and 80-millimeter length.
CTO Watanabe also stated that the production timeline for the next-generation 2170 battery cells will adhere to the mutual decision of the battery giant and Tesla.
Upcoming factories
Panasonic continues to invest in electric vehicle battery development amid the global shift to more sustainable mobility.
For instance, it is currently constructing its second battery factory in the North American region in Kansas. It further aims to erect its third factory, with plans to announce the location by the end of this fiscal year ending in March. The yet-to-be-elaborated new factory is expected to generate “thousands” of new job positions in the region.
“Decisions about where to position new facilities are extraordinarily complex and are based on a wide range of factors.”
Panasonic spokesperson
Panasonic’s increased expansion push in North America is unsurprising, considering the government’s strong support for such green technologies. The Inflation Reduction Act currently provides subsidies for local battery cell factories, significantly attracting major players like Panasonic.
Panasonic expects to reach a whopping ¥85 billion ($587 million) bump in its operating income during this fiscal year.
