When Elon Musk announced plans fifteen years ago to power an electric roadster with laptop-type batteries, this seemed improbable. When we thought about it though, we realized Panasonic’s 18650 single cells were proven and reliable. However, their capacity was limited, and this has continued to restrict electric vehicles’ potential. Teslas new 2170 battery cell is set to change that, as it rolls out of the Giga Factory by the millions.
Things Change but They Remain the Same
The French have a saying “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” Certainly the more things change the more things remain the same. The city around it may have changed immeasurably since they completed Notre-Dame Cathedral in 1345. Yet visitors still feel the same sense of awe on entering. We could be equally impressed when entering the Giga Factory someday.
Familiar Features with Teslas New 2170 Battery Cell
Tesla has retained the familiar shape of the 18650 single cells. Yet it has custom-engineered the design to suit its purposes in colloboration with Panasonic. Accordingly, Teslas new 2170 battery cell is 50% larger by volume, and provides close to 6,000 milliamps compared to the 18650’s 3,000. The company however hopes the price will not change, thanks to the economies of scale it envisages.
Looking Into the Future Just a Little
Predicting what Elon Musk will do next is like long-range weather forecasting, for we can never quite be sure. We are hoping similar savings will accrue from robotic assembly of battery modules, and complete battery packs. Because optimizing overall cost could have a tremendous bearing on the future of electric cars.
We close by recalling the bigger picture behind this. Pollution from petrol and diesel engines is stifling our planet. Electric vehicles are no longer nice to have. They have become essential. Teslas new 2170 battery cell it plans for the future Model 3 is searching out a better future. The future our millennials owe the generations that will follow.
Related
Secrets of the Model S Battery Exposed
Flash Charging Swiss Buses in Seconds
Preview Image: Tesla Model 3
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/ga4L1w66AbU
