Panasonic Holdings is set to begin production of next-generation batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) after reopening a factory in Wakayama Prefecture.
The site, previously used to make battery components, will become the main facility for the production of Panasonic’s cylindrical lithium-ion cell 4680. Production will begin once the final evaluation is completed, the company said Monday, without disclosing a specific date.
Panasonic says the 4680 battery is lighter, more efficient and cheaper to make than its predecessor, the 2170. That should help improve the range and charging time of electric vehicles while driving down costs.
