Panasonic's new battery could add 90 miles to Tesla Model Y's range

Panasonic, a major battery supplier for Tesla, is developing a new “anode-free” electric vehicle (EV) battery technology that could increase battery capacity by 25%, potentially adding about 90 miles (145 km) of range to the Tesla Model Y without enlarging the battery pack. This technology eliminates the anode during manufacturing, allowing a lithium metal anode to form upon first charge, which frees up internal space for a higher concentration of active cathode materials such as nickel, cobalt, and aluminum. Besides boosting energy density and driving range, the approach also offers the possibility of producing lighter and cheaper batteries by reducing battery size while maintaining current range, and by lowering the proportion of costly nickel. The announcement comes amid Tesla’s recent market share decline in the U.S. due to increased competition. While Panasonic has not disclosed specific impacts on manufacturing costs or consumer prices, this advancement could provide Tesla a competitive edge in the crowded EV market. Panasonic is not alone in pursuing anode-free battery designs