Hi friend, welcome to my in-depth look at the batteries powering Tesla‘s electric vehicles. Specifically, we‘ll explore the differences between Tesla‘s workhorse 2170 lithium-ion cells which have powered flagships like the Model 3 and Model Y, versus the new 4680 battery cell that promises to transform upcoming models.
Why Battery Cells Matter So Much to Tesla
As an automaker founded on electrical powertrain technology, Tesla lives and dies by the battery. It‘s the beating heart that gives Tesla vehicles their impressive acceleration, range and performance. So even small improvements in cell size, capacity, charging ability and production costs can have an outsized impact.
Tesla‘s new 4680 battery cell aims to leapfrog these metrics in a bid to cement the company‘s market dominance against a growing crop of EV rivals chasing ever-lower prices and ever-higher range. Let‘s compare how far 4680 cells have advanced from the already impressive 2170 cells.
2170 vs 4680 Cells: A Side-by-Side Technical Breakdown
Check out the key specification differences in this handy table:
| Metric | 2170 Cell | 4680 Cell | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21 x 70mm | 46 x 80mm | 4680 |
| Capacity | 4,800 mAh | 9,000 mAh | 4680 (87% more) |
| Energy Density | 260 Wh/kg | 380 Wh/kg | 4680 (46% higher) |
| Power Density | 750 W/kg | 1,300 W/kg | 4680 (73% higher) |
| Cells Per Battery | Thousands | Hundreds | 4680 (5-10x fewer) |
With around double the capacity stuffed into over triple the area, 4680 immediately stands out on paper as a giant leap…
How 4680 Battery Advancements Unlock New Possibilities
You may be wondering how those impressive 4680 cell specs translate into actual performance and cost benefits. Well, let me break it down for you…
Thanks to 4680 cells‘ higher capacity and voltage combined with tabless design allowing faster charging, Tesla vehicles packing these batteries will charge incredibly quick. We‘re talking adding 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes quick!
I expect the Cybertruck and next-gen Roadster hitting later this year take full advantage by reaching a peak 250 kW charging rate. That‘s over 3x faster than the V3 Superchargers supporting today‘s Model 3 and Model Y. Pretty crazy how battery innovation fuels real-world outcomes!
And we‘ve only just scratched the surface of 4680 cells‘ potential. By simplifying battery architecture to eliminate thousands of cells needing redundant wiring, connectors and modules, Tesla streamlines production while boosting range.
