GM rival EV producer Tesla has filed for clearance from Chinese regulators to begin producing pouch-type battery cells. The pouch-type batteries differ from the cylindrical-type batteries typically equipped by Tesla vehicles, and would be highly limited in terms of total production capacity. Additionally, Tesla has filed for permission to expand production at its Shanghai Gigafactory.
According to a recent report from Reuters, which cites an undated public notice posted to the website of the district where the Shanghai Gigafactory plant is located, Tesla is seeking clearance to begin producing pouch-type battery cells. The automaker has not used pouch-type batteries in its EVs previously. The notice says that a trial production line at the facility would have an initial annual capacity to produce the equivalent of 20,000 amp hours of battery cells, or roughly the same power as a single Model Y battery pack.
It’s unclear at this time exactly what Tesla plans to do with the pouch-type battery cells, as the automaker typically uses rigid cylinder-type batteries in its vehicles. Pouch-type batteries are more common in consumer electronics, while General Motors uses pouch-type batteries in it EV models sold in North America, as well as cylindrical cells for its Chinese models. Back in February, reports indicated that GM was considering the development of new cylindrical battery cells for use in its future electric vehicles.
The public notice also indicates that Tesla is seeking permission to expand production capacity at its Shanghai Gigafactory from 1.25 million powertrain units annually to 1.75 million powertrain units annually. It’s unclear when Tesla may move ahead with the expanded production capacity. The Shanghai facility is currently the largest Tesla plant in the world, producing roughly 726,000 units of the Tesla Model Y crossover and Tesla Model 3 sedan last year, accounting for more than half of Tesla’s global sales. Interestingly, it’s reported that Tesla is also looking to increase production of its cylindrical 4680 battery cells in China.
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Comments
Gm and samsung will build clinder shape batteries together in 2025.
who cares … really saying ..
Our government needs to incentivize corporations through tax cuts, financial assistance, and reduced regulations to bring more manufacturing back to the US. In parallel, they need to increase tariffs on our competitors. Until this happens China is not going away anytime soon. Period!
And there ya go. Even Tesla sees value in pouch type and not just cylinder.
I am not a big fan of Pouch Style batteries. I would chose Cylindrical every time given the choice.
Wonder why Tesla would make that decision to offer pouch style batteries since they already have like five different batteries they can chose from in their disposal. Very interesting
BOYCOTT big ticket purchases from China!