Big Update: Tesla is developing a new type of battery
"I think there's an interesting potential for manganese," says CEO Elon Musk.
When it comes to automotive innovation and intelligent solutions, there is no denying that Tesla has been at the forefront of both. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, may frequently find himself in contentious circumstances, but he has also established himself as an all-around nice guy. He is also notorious for making impossible-to-keep promises; previously, the world's wealthiest man stated that the delayed Cybertruck would come in 2021, but has since been pushed back to 2023.
Nonetheless, the world listens when Musk speaks. Tesla's eccentric CEO recently informed employees at the Giga Berlin factory (where the Model Y is made) that the company is developing a manganese-based battery to sit between the less expensive LFP products and the more expensive nickel-based batteries seen in long-range Tesla.
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Musk clarified the company's stance on battery packs while fielding questions from Giga Berlin factory employees. "I believe that for long-range vehicles, a nickel-based cathode will be used... and for standard-range vehicles, iron phosphate will be used, and I believe that manganese has some fascinating potential."
Tesla's CEO continues, asserting his confidence in the company's ability to "grow to global volumes using iron phosphate and manganese cathode."
While he did not elaborate further, this is not the first time the corporation has made a reference to manganese batteries. According to Elektrek, Musk earlier stated in 2020, "It is pretty simple to produce a cathode that is two-thirds nickel and one-third manganese, which will allow us to make 50% greater cell volume with the same amount of nickel."
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Interestingly, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL)—one of Tesla's largest suppliers—is said to be interested in establishing a manufacturing facility in the United States. According to company insiders, management has not made a decision yet, with Canada, the United States, and Mexico all being considered as possible locations. While the corporation has not commented on the topic, sources indicate that the factory will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries.
This would surely aid Tesla in lowering expenses, which would ultimately benefit the customer. Despite recent price increases, the company's headquarters in California has witnessed remarkable demand. It is so powerful, in fact, that Tesla will simply be unable to meet demand. Order a Model Y today and it will arrive in the first half of 2023. The launch of a middle-of-the-road battery pack will only increase the brand's popularity; let's just hope the forward-thinking brand can scale production.
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