CATL Chairman Criticizes Elon Musk's 4680 Battery Technology
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| Elon Musk's 4680 Battery Technology (Image/Tesla) |
Brogosil Business - The race for dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market is heating up, and Elon Musk’s 4680 battery technology is at the center of the discussion. However, Robin Zeng, chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL)—the world’s largest EV battery maker—has voiced significant doubts about Tesla’s new 4680 cylindrical cells. According to Zeng, these cells are "going to fail" and may never meet the ambitious performance expectations set by Tesla.
The 4680 battery, designed to be cheaper and more energy-dense than previous models, is critical to Tesla's long-term plans, including its upcoming Cybertruck. The cells promise five times the energy capacity of traditional batteries, potentially reducing costs and improving vehicle range. Despite these promises, the technology has encountered major production hurdles, with Tesla struggling to scale manufacturing while managing costs.
In a conversation with Musk earlier this year, Zeng reportedly challenged the feasibility of the 4680 cells, suggesting that Tesla’s push for rapid production might not result in a successful outcome. While Zeng acknowledged Musk’s expertise in areas like hardware and software, he criticized the ambitious timelines Musk often sets, pointing out that they might be more about motivation than realistic goals
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| Tesla 4680 Battery (Photo: Tesla Youtube) |
Meanwhile, CATL continues to lead the industry with its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are more cost-efficient and widely used in EVs, including those produced by Tesla. Although LFP batteries typically offer shorter ranges compared to the 4680, they are appreciated for their safety and affordability.
The debate between CATL’s tried-and-tested approach and Tesla’s risky innovation reflects the competitive tension in the battery manufacturing sector. As the EV market continues to expand, the success or failure of the 4680 cell will have significant implications not only for Tesla but for the entire industry.
For more details, you can read the full article on the Hans India / Tech Times / Andhra Pradesh News