Tesla Inc has marked a significant milestone in its battery production endeavor by announcing the manufacturing of its 20 millionth 4680-type battery cell at the Giga Texas factory on October 11, 2023​​. The announcement underscores the automaker’s escalating pace in achieving high-volume battery cell production critical for its new vehicle programs.
The 4680 cell, a novel design unveiled by Tesla on Battery Day in 2020, is central to reducing battery costs by over 50% and propelling the company’s upcoming vehicle lines like the Cybertruck​. The ramp-up in 4680 cell production is particularly significant as it is a testament to Tesla’s ability to overcome previous production bottlenecks, moving closer to mass production.
Intriguingly, the pace of production has notably surged, with the recent 10 million cells being produced in just 16 weeks, averaging around 625,000 cells per week, although current production rates are believed to be significantly higher, potentially around 800,000 cells per week​​.
These cells, each with a capacity of roughly 100 Wh, translate to about 80 MWh of battery cells produced per week at Giga Texas, enough to power over 1,200 vehicles given a battery pack capacity of 65 kWh. For higher capacity vehicles like the Cybertruck, with an estimated battery pack capacity of 130 kWh, the production rate suffices for around 600 vehicles per week​.
Moreover, the rapid production scale signifies Tesla’s substantial progress toward achieving large-scale battery cell production, which is crucial for meeting the growing demand for electric vehicles and reducing production costs. The milestone also offers a glimpse into the production capabilities of Giga Texas, showcasing its potential to be a significant contributor to Tesla’s global battery supply chain.
The rapid strides in battery production at Giga Texas over a short span, notably doubling the total number of cells produced over the last four months, showcase the automaker’s resolve and capability in scaling up its battery production to meet the demands of its expanding electric vehicle lineup​​. With the ongoing advancements, Tesla is well on track to bolster its battery supply, a critical element in its strategy to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
