Teknisimobil.com – Collaboration by Panasonic – a Japanese company – with electric car maker Tesla seems to be getting stronger. This is a good sign for Japanese companies to be trusted by the American company. Although initially only producing batteries for Model 3, in fact there is a possibility that the Model S and X battery update will also use Panasonic’s US. Here’s the full news.
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(Credit: Tuyen Pham)
As is known that Tesla will expand their production range to China and maybe also to supply batteries. But, outside of this effort, the current battery supplier for Tesla electric cars – Panasonic – is trying to put together a partnership with Tesla. Panasonic is trying to double its partnership with the maker of the electric car. Not even half-hearted, Panasonic plans to move a special battery production facility to Tesla to the United States in 2019. It seems like this isn’t just a figment, because they announced it in Japanese media recently.
Model S and X Battery Update Use Panasonic’s US, Really?
Perhaps Panasonic does not want to lose the trust of Tesla as a battery manufacturer for Tesla cars. During this time Tesla entrusted the production of batteries for Model 3 to Panasonic. And Panasonic has produced batteries – 2170 cells – for the Model 3 in the US in Gigafactory 1. In addition, Panasonic also produces batteries used by the Tesla Model S and X even though they are still equipped with custom 18650 cells produced in Japan. For the two Tesla vehicles, Panasonic plans to move production to the United States in the near future. Which is likely to be a Model S and X battery update with a battery from the transfer of production.
The consideration of moving battery production for the S and X Models to the United States is actually very possible. Besides, so far it has produced 2170 cells for Model 3 in Gigafactory 1, battery updates for the S and X models as another reason. Model S and X battery update are needed to improve overall vehicle quality. Especially on the issue of mileage and battery charging speed. But if you look at the urgent need for Model S and X battery update, it seems that Panasonic’s step is not a strategic step. Because they will take a long time to stabilize their production in the United States. And of course the job is not easy to do.
But if you look at the urgent need for Model S and X battery update, it seems that Panasonic’s step is not a strategic step.
It might be possible to do it gradually, some of the production is done in Japan and some have been moved to the United States. Maintaining production in Japan as a precautionary measure of battery updates for the S and X models in the short term. Meanwhile, the transfer of production in the United States is a long-term anticipation and guarantees that they can be trusted by Tesla. This is not a big money issue that will be issued to implement it but this is a matter of cooperation loyalty to partner companies.
The energy density of the Model 3 2170 cells is above 18650 cells for the Model S and X. Of course the Model 3 2170 gets appreciation from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. As he said in the third quarter revenue call. He believes that electric cars currently stand as “the most efficient energy per mile of electric vehicles out there”. Although not as dense as 2170 cells, the batteries used by the Model S and X are actually still on the batteries used by other electric car manufacturers. Just mention Jaguar I-PACE which is inferior to the superior of the Tesla Model X in efficiency testing. But, of course Tesla always wants more and more from his partner company. Especially for battery problems, because on an electric car – once again – the battery is his life.
The challenge for Panasonic is actually not how to bring the Model S and X battery update to match what they have produced for Model 3.
In addition to the praise that Panasonic got from Musk, Tesla 2170 cells also received praise from other industry experts. Tesla 2170 was hailed as a difference maker for companies based in Silicon Valley. Sandy Munro – a Detroit veteran – noted after breaking down and analyzing Model 3 that the 2170 cell battery of the electric car was the best he had seen so far. This shows how good the 2170 cells are made by Panasonic. The potential of 2170 cells can be seen in the update to Model 3 Performance Track Mode.
The challenge for Panasonic is actually not how to bring the Model S and X battery update to match what they have produced for Model 3. Especially the problem of the production sites they want to move from Japan to the United States. Their real challenge is fulfilling the ambitions implied by Elon Musk regarding battery with larger new cells. As stated by Musk via Twitter that Tesla electric cars will be increased every month. Of course after the new subsystem is ready to be produced. Therefore, how dare Panasonic accept the Musk challenge?
As a rising electric car company, of course Tesla does not want to loose in innovation. Just like what has happened with the Model S and X. Both of them challenged opportunities for years, competed, and even dominated their segments. Given their achievements so far, it makes perfect sense that the Model S and X battery update is very mandatory for Tesla. Not only related to 2170 cells, but the possibility for something better than that.[]