Photo: Tesla, Technische Universität München (TUM)
Tesla Cybertruck's range failed to impress, mostly because the 4680 cells did not live up to expectations. However, Tesla continues to improve the chemistry and the manufacturing process. Chemistry improvements promise a 10-20 percent boost in energy density, which Cybertruck fans would much appreciate.
Tesla bet the house on the success of its 4680 cells. The bigger cells promised to offer power, energy density, and capacity benefits, but the reality proved less romantic. The first generation of the cells disappointed in the Austin-made Model Y, while the second generation of the 4680 cells did no better for the Cybertruck. Instead of the promised 500 miles (800 km) of range, Tesla's electric pickup is only capable of driving 340 miles (545 km) between charges, and that in a less power-hungry configuration.
Many people wondered why Tesla chose a 123-kWh battery pack for the Cybertruck instead of going for a bigger pack. My guess is that the battery capacity is limited by the 4680-cell performance. If putting more cells inside the Cybertruck's battery pack made sense, Tesla would've certainly done it. The so-called "Cybercells" have 10% more energy density than the first generation 4680 batteries, but that was not enough to make the Cybertruck a range champion.
That's the bad news: Tesla can't squeeze more 4680 cells inside the Cybertruck's battery pack. The good news is that Tesla hasn't given up on improving the 4680 cells, and a 10-20% increase in energy density is within grasp. According to a recent report, Tesla is working on an improved chemistry with a higher nickel content. Specifically, instead of the usual NMC811 cathode (80% Nickel, 10% Manganese, and 10% Cobalt), the EV maker will transition to an NMC955 or even NMC973 cathode in later iterations.
Based on a report by Joe Tegtmeyer, who regularly flies his drone at Giga Texas, Tesla is phasing out the NCM811 material, and the final transition to NMC955 is already underway. The increased nickel content alone should provide a nice energy density boost while also reducing cobalt content, with important cost benefits. According to battery expert Jordan Giesige from The Limiting Factor social media channel, the change is likely to affect the current production ramp. However, Tesla can afford this, especially as the Cybertruck production is not yet fully ramped up.
Tesla is also working on an asymmetric lamination process, with one side of the laminated material thicker than the other. This should increase the amount of jelly roll that can fit into a 4680 can. There is not much information about this technology at the moment, and even Jordan is unsure about its purpose and benefits. The hope is that this will squeeze another 10% improvement in energy density, which will finally make the 4680 cells better than their 2170 counterparts.
Last but not least, Tesla is also working to improve the electrolytes and additives that go into their batteries. A recently published patent describes a method for the synthesis of 3-Phenyl-1,4,2-Dioxazol-5-One (PDO), an additive that promises to significantly improve the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery cell. As you can see, Tesla is covering all the bases, although we still have no word on the silicone anode that should significantly boost cell performance. Either way, the Cybertruck early adopters will likely miss on these cell advancements, as later Cybertruck builds will feature vastly better 4680 cells.
Many people wondered why Tesla chose a 123-kWh battery pack for the Cybertruck instead of going for a bigger pack. My guess is that the battery capacity is limited by the 4680-cell performance. If putting more cells inside the Cybertruck's battery pack made sense, Tesla would've certainly done it. The so-called "Cybercells" have 10% more energy density than the first generation 4680 batteries, but that was not enough to make the Cybertruck a range champion.
That's the bad news: Tesla can't squeeze more 4680 cells inside the Cybertruck's battery pack. The good news is that Tesla hasn't given up on improving the 4680 cells, and a 10-20% increase in energy density is within grasp. According to a recent report, Tesla is working on an improved chemistry with a higher nickel content. Specifically, instead of the usual NMC811 cathode (80% Nickel, 10% Manganese, and 10% Cobalt), the EV maker will transition to an NMC955 or even NMC973 cathode in later iterations.
Based on a report by Joe Tegtmeyer, who regularly flies his drone at Giga Texas, Tesla is phasing out the NCM811 material, and the final transition to NMC955 is already underway. The increased nickel content alone should provide a nice energy density boost while also reducing cobalt content, with important cost benefits. According to battery expert Jordan Giesige from The Limiting Factor social media channel, the change is likely to affect the current production ramp. However, Tesla can afford this, especially as the Cybertruck production is not yet fully ramped up.
Tesla is also working on an asymmetric lamination process, with one side of the laminated material thicker than the other. This should increase the amount of jelly roll that can fit into a 4680 can. There is not much information about this technology at the moment, and even Jordan is unsure about its purpose and benefits. The hope is that this will squeeze another 10% improvement in energy density, which will finally make the 4680 cells better than their 2170 counterparts.
Last but not least, Tesla is also working to improve the electrolytes and additives that go into their batteries. A recently published patent describes a method for the synthesis of 3-Phenyl-1,4,2-Dioxazol-5-One (PDO), an additive that promises to significantly improve the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery cell. As you can see, Tesla is covering all the bases, although we still have no word on the silicone anode that should significantly boost cell performance. Either way, the Cybertruck early adopters will likely miss on these cell advancements, as later Cybertruck builds will feature vastly better 4680 cells.
Generation 3 4680 Cell incoming?
— The Limiting Factor (@LimitingThe) January 4, 2024
As per the post by Joe below, at Giga Texas:
1) Tesla is working in cutting over from an NMC811 cathode to an NMC955 cathode.
That means increasing the Nickel content from 80% to 90% and decreasing the cobalt and manganese from 10% to 5%.
2)… https://t.co/kAdNcnBbJO pic.twitter.com/eN2Sx3OtRr
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