Category: EV vehicles

  • China Introduces Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis for Ride-Hailing in Dubai

    China Introduces Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis for Ride-Hailing in Dubai

    Key Takeaways

    1. Baidu’s Apollo Go partners with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to launch autonomous ride-hailing services, marking its first international expansion outside China and Hong Kong.

    2. The initial deployment will feature 100 RT6 robotaxis in Dubai by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to at least 1,000 vehicles by 2028, supporting Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous transport by 2030.

    3. Apollo Go has a proven safety record, completing over 150 million kilometers of safe travel and providing over 10 million rides, ensuring reliability in urban environments like Dubai.

    4. Dubai’s high-tech infrastructure and commitment to innovation create a supportive environment for autonomous vehicle initiatives, with initial testing planned in central areas.

    5. Baidu’s global ambitions are strengthened by this collaboration, following the acquisition of the first autonomous vehicle test license in Hong Kong, showcasing strong support from the UAE government.

    Baidu’s Apollo Go has entered into a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to initiate autonomous ride-hailing services within the city. This is a major milestone in Apollo Go’s efforts to expand globally, with Dubai being the first international location outside of mainland China and Hong Kong. The collaboration aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambition to enhance smart mobility and incorporate autonomous technologies into its transport system.

    Plans for Robotaxi Deployment

    The first stage of this venture will involve the launch of 100 Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in Dubai by the conclusion of 2025. These self-driving vehicles are engineered for safe and effective driverless travel, featuring highly reliable systems and a user-friendly experience. By 2028, the fleet is expected to grow to at least 1,000 vehicles, which supports Dubai’s target of achieving 25% of its transport system being autonomous by 2030. This extensive rollout highlights the city’s dedication to leading in self-driving innovations.

    Impressive Safety Record and Experience

    Apollo Go boasts an impressive history in autonomous driving, having successfully completed over 150 million kilometers of safe travel and provided upwards of 10 million rides. The RT6 robotaxis come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, promising a comfortable and secure journey. With significant experience operating in major cities like Wuhan, China, Apollo Go is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of an urban setting like Dubai. The company plans to work closely with local authorities to ensure that their technology aligns with regional regulations and road conditions.

    Supportive Environment for Innovation

    Dubai has consistently been at the leading edge of autonomous vehicle initiatives, making it a prime location for Apollo Go’s international growth. The city’s high-tech infrastructure and dedication to innovation lay a strong groundwork for autonomous mobility services. Initial testing will take place in central Dubai to ensure that the technology integrates well with local traffic dynamics and urban challenges.

    Strengthened Global Ambitions

    Baidu’s aspirations for Apollo Go have been bolstered by obtaining the first autonomous vehicle test license in Hong Kong in November 2024. Choosing Dubai as the first market for complete fleet deployment underscores the confidence and backing from the UAE government. This collaboration follows a meeting between Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, and UAE leaders at the World Governments Summit in February 2025, where they expressed strong support for Apollo Go’s vision of sustainable and smart urban transport.

    A Vision for the Future of Urban Transport

    Apollo Go is set on transforming urban transport by offering safe, efficient, and intelligent transportation options. As cities around the globe adopt smart transport solutions, Baidu’s entry into Dubai signifies a crucial step toward making autonomous ride-hailing a reality worldwide. The partnership with the RTA is a significant advancement towards a more intelligent and interconnected future for urban transportation.

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  • Tesla Model 3 Testing FSD with Cybercab Cameras Up North

    Tesla Model 3 Testing FSD with Cybercab Cameras Up North

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is using a standard Model 3 equipped with the Cybercab’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) kit to gather driving data in challenging weather conditions.
    2. New camera arrangements on the Model 3 mirror those planned for the Cybercab, suggesting a focus on collecting relevant data for autonomous driving.
    3. Tesla is preparing for an unsupervised FSD pilot program in Austin, Texas, as part of their efforts to promote safe electric transport.
    4. Securing permits for the Cybercab will be more challenging than for the Model 3 or Model Y, which still have traditional controls.
    5. The testing of the Model 3 may help demonstrate safety and readiness to regulators ahead of the Cybercab’s mass production goal in 2026.

    Since Tesla can’t really train the Cybercab for every situation and event that occurs on the streets during bad weather before it gets the required permits, they are trying something else.

    Innovative Approach

    They have seemingly equipped a standard Tesla, which has pedals and a steering wheel, to drive around on public roads with the Cybercab’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) kit. A Model 3 was spotted with unusual HW4 camera positions way up in Concord, New Hampshire, suggesting that Tesla might be collecting driving data in tough weather conditions, similar to what the Cybercab would face.

    New Camera Arrangements

    The new cameras include one oddly positioned in the rear window, exactly where the side camera of Tesla’s two-seater robotaxi is located. There’s also another one attached to the fender with some additional fittings, again in the same spot and angle as seen on the Cybercab.

    Recently, Tesla shared a thank you message to the Texas Department of Transportation, featuring a city official inside a Cybercab. The message read, “Thanks to Austin City & Texas DOT for hosting & supporting our efforts to unlock safe & low-cost premium point-to-point electric transport,” likely pointing to the unsupervised FSD pilot program they plan to start in the city in June.

    Challenges Ahead

    Obtaining a permit for the Cybercab to operate on public roads is expected to be much more difficult for Tesla than launching unsupervised FSD for its Model 3 or Model Y that come with pedals and a steering wheel.

    This could be the reason behind retrofitting the Cybercab’s HW4 kit onto a Model 3, using it as a testing vehicle to see how the autonomous robotaxi performs outside the controlled environments of the Gigafactory where it has been tested so far.

    Tesla aims to start mass production of the Cybercab by 2026, and it needs to showcase its safety records and road readiness to regulators before that. Thus, utilizing this Model 3 test vehicle may be a clever strategy to accelerate the approval process for their first car without pedals.

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    Tesla Model 3 Testing FSD with Cybercab Cameras Up NorthTesla Model 3 Testing FSD with Cybercab Cameras Up North
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  • Lucid to Boost Electric Gravity SUV Deliveries by April 2025

    Lucid to Boost Electric Gravity SUV Deliveries by April 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lucid will start shipping Gravity SUVs to more reservation holders by late April 2025.
    2. Public test drive and showroom display vehicles for the Gravity are nearly ready, with regular deliveries expected to begin in April.
    3. Production of the Gravity SUV began in 2024 in Arizona, with initial deliveries to employees and close contacts.
    4. The Gravity SUV features seating for seven, starts at $96,550, offers up to 828 hp, and has a driving range of 450 miles.
    5. A more affordable Touring version of the Gravity SUV is planned for release before the end of 2025.

    Customers who are not linked to Lucid will soon begin receiving their orders for the Gravity SUV. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff shared on LinkedIn that the electric vehicle startup plans to start shipping units to more reservation holders by late April 2025.

    Update on Gravity Program

    Winterhoff gave an update regarding the Gravity program, mentioning that public test drive and showroom display vehicles are nearly ready. Regular deliveries are expected to start in April. “We have almost finished building vehicles for studios and test drives, and we anticipate they will start arriving at our locations throughout the US in April. For those early customers eagerly waiting for their Lucid Gravity delivery, we intend to begin delivering more vehicles by the end of April.”

    Production and Launch Details

    The electric SUV began production in 2024 in Arizona, with the first deliveries going to employees and others closely connected to the company. Lucid is set to hold a press launch for the vehicle in April.

    The Gravity SUV, which seats seven, is Lucid’s second model following the Air sedan. It comes in the Grand Touring trim, starting at a price of $96,550, and offers impressive specs with up to 828 hp and a driving range of 450 miles. The SUV will be equipped with Tesla’s NACS port, allowing it to utilize the Supercharger network across the US. Additionally, the automaker plans to introduce a more affordable Touring version before the end of 2025.

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  • Model Y HW3 vs HW4 Crash Test: Why Tesla Upgrades FSD Computers

    Model Y HW3 vs HW4 Crash Test: Why Tesla Upgrades FSD Computers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mark Rober’s test showed Tesla’s Autopilot performance negatively compared to a Lexus with LiDAR, but inconsistencies led to further independent testing.
    2. The 2022 Model Y with Hardware 3.0 failed to detect a fake wall, while the 2024 Model Y with Hardware 4.0 successfully stopped before the obstacle.
    3. A similar successful test was performed with the Cybertruck, also equipped with Hardware 4.0.
    4. Tesla plans to begin unsupervised FSD testing in Austin, Texas, starting in June, with necessary permits obtained.
    5. Tesla is considering a retrofit program for older vehicles with Hardware 3.0 if unsupervised FSD cannot be successfully implemented on those models.

    Recently, a test by Mark Rober compared a Tesla using Autopilot with a Lexus autonomous driving system, which is renowned for its use of LiDAR. This test didn’t show Tesla’s camera-only approach in a good light.

    Inconsistent Results

    However, Rober’s setup had so many inconsistencies that a group of independent testers decided to put a Tesla through similar tests to see if they could confirm or counter his findings. In a recent round of testing, a Model Y equipped with the new Hardware 4.0 FSD was tested against an older Model Y that had the Hardware 3.0 version, which is still much more common on roads in the US.

    Different Models, Different Outcomes

    The 2022 Model Y was fitted with the HW3 package and used the latest version of Tesla’s FSD software designed for that hardware, while the 2024 Model Y had the upgraded HW4, also referred to as AI4 by Tesla. The HW3 Model Y did indeed fail the test; it didn’t detect the wall that was painted to look like a road and drove straight through it. The testers ran the test twice, having to brake manually, and once allowed the 2022 Model Y to crash through the fake wall while in FSD mode.

    The 2024 Model Y, equipped with the HW4’s high-resolution cameras and a new FSD computer, successfully detected the fake wall every time and stopped the vehicle before it reached the obstacle while in self-driving mode. A similar test was performed with the Cybertruck, which also has the HW4 setup, and it too did not collide with the wall.

    Upcoming Unsupervised Testing

    Tesla is getting ready to test its unsupervised FSD mode, which won’t need a driver to be present or paying attention, starting this June in Austin, Texas. The autonomous driving team recently announced that they obtained the necessary permit for pilot program testing by showing city officials in a Cybercab.

    “Thanks to Austin City & Texas DOT for hosting & supporting our efforts to unlock safe & low-cost premium point-to-point electric transport,” the team stated, confirming that the June launch for unsupervised FSD is on track. However, Tesla hasn’t yet figured out how to make the newest FSD version work on older vehicles with the HW3 setup, and it may also struggle to implement unsupervised FSD successfully on those models. Elon Musk promised that if that happens, Tesla will upgrade HW4 computers into eligible HW3 vehicles at their own expense.

    The Wile E. Coyote wall test indicates that a HW3 computer retrofit program may become necessary in the future along the fake painted road.

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  • New Sodium-Ion Battery for EVs: Fast Charging & LFP Energy Density

    New Sodium-Ion Battery for EVs: Fast Charging & LFP Energy Density

    Key Takeaways

    1. HiNa has introduced new Haixing sodium-ion batteries tailored for commercial electric vehicle fleets, available in various capacities (K150, K210, K280, K350).
    2. The new batteries feature an improved energy density of 165 Wh/kg, making them competitive with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.
    3. HiNa’s sodium-ion batteries are 30% to 40% cheaper to manufacture than lithium-based batteries and can be fully charged in under 25 minutes.
    4. These batteries maintain stable performance in extreme temperatures (-40°C to 45°C) and can handle over 8,000 charging cycles while retaining capacity.
    5. HiNa operates a GWh-level factory aimed at increasing output and lowering costs, focusing on the commercial electric vehicle market.

    HiNa, a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries that are already being used in electric vehicles, has revealed its latest generation of Na-ion batteries.

    New Haixing Cells

    The new Haixing cells are aimed at commercial fleets of electric vehicles, coming in various battery pack options named K150, K210, K280, and K350, likely indicating their differing capacities.

    As expected, the K150 and K210 sodium-ion batteries are designed for electric vehicles that need to travel shorter distances, while the models with higher numbers are suited for EVs that undertake longer logistics journeys.

    Current Usage

    HiNa is already providing sodium-ion batteries for compact electric cars, such as the Jiwei 3, which is produced by JAC, a Volkswagen EV joint venture in China. The Na-ion battery in the Jiwei 3 has a modest 23 kWh capacity, leading to a range of about 230 kilometers according to the local CLTC testing cycle.

    The Jiwei 3’s battery utilizes HiNa’s earlier generation of cylindrical 32140 sodium-ion cells that have an energy density of 140 Wh/kg. However, the new Na-ion batteries boast an improved energy density of 165 Wh/kg, making them comparable to LFP cells used in various devices, including 145 W Ugreen power banks and mass-market electric vehicles.

    Competitive Edge

    In contrast, the base RWD Tesla Model 3, which was discontinued in the US market due to its CATL batteries being ineligible for federal tax credits, features cells with an energy density of 125 Wh/kg. This comparison highlights why the new HiNa Haixing sodium-ion battery may represent a significant step forward in promoting Na-ion cell technology.

    HiNa claims that their sodium-ion batteries are 30% to 40% less expensive to manufacture than lithium-based batteries. Additionally, the latest Haixing Na-ion cells are capable of rapid charging, reaching full capacity in under 25 minutes.

    Performance and Production

    These batteries also exhibit stable discharge rates across a temperature range of -40°C to 45°C (-40°F to 113°F). Furthermore, the packs can be fast-charged continuously while still retaining good capacity even after 8,000 charging cycles, according to HiNa.

    The battery manufacturer operates a GWh-level factory and asserts that it is prepared to deliver “greater output at significantly lower costs.” This will be a key factor, particularly considering the new sodium-ion battery’s target market of commercial electric vehicle fleets.

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  • Model Y Adaptive High Beams Test Reveals Legacy Matrix Headlight Insights

    Model Y Adaptive High Beams Test Reveals Legacy Matrix Headlight Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. The adaptive high beams feature will soon be available for the legacy Model Y in the US through an over-the-air software update.
    2. The 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come with adaptive headlights fully operational from the factory.
    3. Regulatory challenges in the US have delayed the rollout of adaptive high beams compared to European models.
    4. Initial updates for legacy Model Y owners may include basic functions like automatic high/low beam switching.
    5. Future updates will enhance the adaptive matrix headlight features, allowing for advanced adjustments without blinding other drivers.

    Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, has recently announced that the adaptive high beams feature, which has been available to European drivers for some time, will soon be available for the legacy Model Y in the US in “several months.”

    New Features in 2026 Model Y Juniper Refresh

    The upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh will come with the adaptive headlights feature ready to use right from the factory, and it has already been tested on public roads. Since 2021, Tesla vehicles have been equipped with matrix headlights that allow individual pixels to be turned on or off. However, the adaptive function has been restricted due to regulatory issues. The US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 is more stringent compared to the European regulations, meaning Tesla has to deal with more regulatory hurdles before they can enable the adaptive high beams for the legacy Model Y.

    Upgrades for Older Units

    For the older Model Y units that have matrix headlights, the adaptive high beams will be made available through an over-the-air software update, similar to the rollout in Europe. In contrast, the new Model Y will come with the adaptive headlights control software fully unlocked right from the factory. “When Adaptive Headlights is enabled, the beam of the headlights adjusts automatically to improve your driving view,” Tesla explains.

    Real-World Demonstrations

    One customer who purchased the Launch Series Model Y edition captured two brief videos showcasing the automatic high beams feature in action, giving a sneak peek of what legacy Model Y owners can expect later this year. Nonetheless, according to Lars Moravy, the initial update might only include simpler functions, like automatically switching between high and low beams when approaching other vehicles. Tesla plans to later roll out the complete range of adaptive matrix headlight features for the legacy Model Y, which will include dimming specific pixel patterns to enhance visibility while ensuring that other drivers are not blinded, as well as beam adjustments during turns.

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  • Lucid Recalls Floor Mats for Unintended Acceleration Risk

    Lucid Recalls Floor Mats for Unintended Acceleration Risk

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lucid is recalling 4,294 all-weather floor mats due to potential risks of unintended acceleration.
    2. The issue arises from mats that may trap the acceleration pedal, particularly those with model numbers ending in “-00” that lack secure anchors.
    3. The recall follows a report from Europe, but there have been no confirmed accidents related to the floor mat issue.
    4. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that affected owners dispose of the faulty mats.
    5. Lucid will refund customers for the affected mats and provide a newer model that can be safely secured.

    Lucid finds itself in a strange situation where it must recall a small accessory instead of a whole car, which could lead to serious accidents. This decision comes after reports suggested that the floor mat could cause unintended acceleration in their vehicles.

    Potential Risks with the Floor Mat

    The All-Weather Floor Mat has the potential to trap the acceleration pedal. This could mean that when drivers take their foot off the pedal, the vehicle might still continue to speed up. The issue pertains to mats that have model numbers ending with “-00” and lack anchors to secure them to the carpet. These mats can shift around and potentially get caught on the pedal when the car is being driven.

    Incidents and Precautionary Measures

    The first report of this problem came from Europe last year, involving a sales associate who was testing a Lucid Air. Although there have been no confirmed cases of the pedal getting snagged or any accidents resulting from it, Lucid is being cautious by recalling 4,294 units as a safety measure.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recommended that owners of Lucid vehicles should throw away the affected floor mats. To compensate, Lucid has promised to refund customers the full price and provide a newer model that can be securely fastened.

    Lucid’s Offerings

    Lucid manufactures the Air sedan and the Gravity SUV. The Air, in particular, stands out as one of the electric vehicles with the longest driving ranges, achieving 512 miles on a single charge. Additionally, it has a quick charging capability, allowing it to gain approximately 200 miles of range in just 12 minutes.

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  • BYD Builds Hundreds of 1MW Charging Stations to Compete with Tesla

    BYD Builds Hundreds of 1MW Charging Stations to Compete with Tesla

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD has announced the rollout of 500 new 1MW charging stations by early April to create a robust charging network that aims to surpass Tesla’s V4 Superchargers.
    2. The new charging stations will enable electric vehicles to gain about 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes, enhancing the convenience for users of the upcoming Han L sedan and Tang L SUV.
    3. BYD plans to expand its charging network to 4,000 stations, leveraging its Super e-Platform architecture for future electric vehicle development.
    4. The company’s vertical integration allows for rapid deployment of charging stations without needing extensive grid upgrades, utilizing on-site energy storage containers.
    5. BYD intends to ensure accessibility to 1MW chargers in major cities for early adopters of the Han L and Tang L models, launching on March 27.

    It’s been less than a month since BYD announced plans to roll out hundreds of its latest 1MW charging stations. This initiative aims to create a network that outperforms Tesla’s V4 Superchargers, which are still quite rare.

    On March 17, BYD, the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world, unveiled its new 1MW charging system. The company now states that it will have 500 charging stations ready to deliver this impressive output by the start of April.

    Speedy Charging Innovations

    These charging stations promise to offer unprecedented fast charging speeds, particularly for passenger electric vehicles. They are launching just in time for the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, both designed on the new 1MW architecture, enabling drivers to add around 250 miles of range in just 5 minutes using these chargers.

    Tesla’s latest V4 Supercharger generation currently has an output of 325 kW, which is expected to increase to 500 kW by the end of this year, with plans for megawatt speeds in the future for the Tesla Semi.

    Ambitious Expansion Plans

    BYD is looking to rapidly establish a network of 4,000 of these chargers, as the new 1MW architecture, called the Super e-Platform, will be the foundation of its electric vehicle system moving ahead. Li Yunfei from BYD mentioned, “BYD’s style has always been – mass production as soon as it is released,” adding that “500 units of 1000 kW charging stations will be available in [early] April.”

    The main strength of BYD as an electric vehicle manufacturer lies in its vertical integration, being the second-largest producer of EV and energy storage system batteries globally. It showcased its ability to quickly deploy 1MW charging stations without needing grid connection upgrades or permits by combining them with energy storage containers on-site, allowing them to operate independently.

    Ensuring Accessibility for Early Adopters

    BYD aims to ensure that when the Han L and Tang L launch on March 27, those who buy them will have access to a network of 1MW chargers available in major cities for their convenience.

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  • Totaled Model Y Juniper Shows Enhanced Torsional Rigidity

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh features improved body stiffness and safety upgrades to enhance passenger protection during collisions.
    2. A wrecked Model Y with under 200 miles showed that the interior remained intact, and airbags did not deploy despite significant damage.
    3. Tesla vehicles, including the Model Y, are known for achieving five-star safety ratings and minimizing injuries in severe accidents.
    4. Key design features such as a low center of gravity and advanced crumple zones contribute to Tesla’s strong safety performance.
    5. Initial testing of the new Model Y suggests promising safety capabilities, although it has yet to undergo rollover or trailer collision tests.

    According to the engineers at Tesla, the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh features a body that boasts improved torsional stiffness along with other safety upgrades that could be beneficial during collisions.

    “A sturdy body structure is more effective at absorbing crash forces, and airbags play a vital role in protecting the people inside,” Tesla explains how they designed the refresh to enhance passenger safety.

    Recent Testing Reveals Results

    It didn’t take long for this claim to be tested, as what appears to be one of the first wrecked Model Y facelifts in the U.S. has surfaced in a junkyard in Houston. This vehicle has fewer than 200 miles on the clock but has already been in an accident on the passenger side, damaging the quarter panel and significantly affecting the wheel well and suspension components.

    Interior Resilience Observed

    A comprehensive 360-degree inspection of the wrecked Model Y indicates that the interior remains intact, even on the crash side, and surprisingly, the airbags did not deploy during the incident.

    Tesla takes pride in producing cars with five-star safety ratings, with Model Y occupants often emerging from severe accidents with minimal injuries. The Model 3 stands out as the only car to excel in a trailer collision test.

    Design Features Contributing to Safety

    Much of Tesla’s commendable safety record can be attributed to design traits common in electric vehicles, like a low center of gravity resulting from the heavy battery located at the bottom. Other safety features, such as the gigacast rear design, frame reinforcements, and crumple zones, reflect Tesla’s engineering efforts that have led to the torsional rigidity advancements in the new Model Y.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing process describes Tesla vehicles as having “a robust, rigid passenger compartment, an fortified battery pack, and a generally low center of gravity.” “These key safety features,” Tesla elaborates, “work to prevent cabin intrusion and protect the battery modules, lower rollover risks, and distribute crash forces away from the passenger area—all while laying the groundwork for our superior front crumple zone, which is tailored to absorb energy and crush in a more effective manner.”

    While the new Model Y has yet to showcase its durability in rollover incidents or collisions with trailers and trees like its predecessor—where occupants sustained only minor injuries—the initial totaled facelift could indicate promising prospects for its passenger safety capabilities.

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  • Legacy US Automaker Orders 10 GWh of 4680 Batteries for Cars

    Legacy US Automaker Orders 10 GWh of 4680 Batteries for Cars

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla achieved a record production of 4680 batteries and reached the lowest cost per kWh for these cells.
    2. Tesla considered abandoning the 4680 battery project due to production cost concerns but is now preparing for mass production with a new dry cathode method.
    3. Competition is increasing, with LG building a 4680 battery plant in Arizona that will support both Tesla and other automakers.
    4. LG secured a contract to supply over 10 GWh of 4680 batteries annually to a traditional US automaker, highlighting its expanding role in the market.
    5. LG’s 4680 cells may outperform Tesla’s, especially given Tesla’s reported thermal efficiency challenges affecting the Cybertruck’s charging.

    At the recent all-hands meeting, Elon Musk proudly announced that Tesla has achieved a record production of 4680 batteries and has reached the lowest cost per kWh for these cells.

    It wasn’t clear if he was referring to global figures or just the US, as he previously mentioned that Tesla aims to manufacture the 4680 battery as the least expensive cells in America. At that moment, he likely factored in the federal tax credit, which provides a subsidy of up to $45/kWh for battery packs made in the US.

    Tesla’s Doubts and Progress

    Just a few quarters ago, Tesla was uncertain about reaching this milestone and even considered abandoning the 4680 battery project if it couldn’t produce the cells more cheaply than suppliers like Panasonic and LG. Now, with the potential mastery of a more affordable dry cathode production method, the company is gearing up for mass production and plans to continue with the 4680 design. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t face competition.

    Competition Heating Up

    For example, LG is constructing a 4680 battery plant in Arizona that is set to become operational next year. This facility will complement Tesla’s 4680 production for vehicles such as the Cybertruck, Cybercab, and even a refreshed Model Y down the line. However, Tesla won’t be the only one benefiting from LG’s factory; it is expected to produce a total annual output of 53 GWh, with 36 GWh allocated for 4680-style batteries and the rest likely for LFP cells designed for energy storage systems.

    Rivian has already announced it placed an order with LG for its higher-capacity 4695 cells for the upcoming R2 SUV. Additionally, LG has revealed that they’ve secured a 4680 battery order from a traditional US automaker as well.

    LG’s New Contracts

    During a recent shareholder meeting, LG Energy Solution President Kim Dong-myung stated that LG has “finalized a contract to supply 46 series cylindrical batteries worth more than 10 GWh per year for multiple years through our Arizona corporation in the United States.”

    He highlighted that the most intriguing aspect of the contract is that it involves a legacy US automaker that also produces internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, unlike pure electric companies like Tesla or Rivian. The 10+ GWh annual supply represents nearly a third of the planned output for the 46 series batteries from the Arizona facility, surpassing contracts with Rivian, Mercedes, Toyota, and others.

    It will be interesting to see how much capacity the Arizona factory will allocate for Tesla, but even more compelling will be whether LG’s 4680 cells, which include advancements in cold weather cathode technology, outperform Tesla’s own cells. The Tesla 4680 battery has been reported to have thermal efficiency challenges, which have affected the charging curve of the Cybertruck.

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