Tesla has progressed with their expansion plans at their Kato Road facility where they produce 4680 battery cells.
Filings reviewed by Teslarati indicate the automaker has continued its expansion of the Materials Lab, where research and development for 4680 cell and other battery projects takes place.
Tesla filed revisions to their expansion project in April, while modifications have already taken place since 2021 in their Materials Lab.
Tesla received its initial permit to expand their Materials Lab located at 47400 Kato Road in Fremont in July 2021 and since then, filings have continued - most recently between early and late April this year.
Tesla is increasing production of the 4680 project cell to accommodate its incorporation into vehicles built at Gigafactory Texas, such as Model Y.
Tesla first unveiled the 4680 cell at their Battery Day event in 2020. At that time, Tesla demonstrated how its new cell design could not only increase longevity but also power output and vehicle range - something yet untested on cars equipped with 4680 packs.
Tesla Model Y vehicles fitted with 4680 cells have proven to have less range than others; however, there may be several explanations as to why. Tesla has done their best to explain these phenomena.
Tesla responded to criticisms regarding the range ratings of their 4680 pack:
"Introducing new cells meant introducing a new variant of Model Y. With AWD being our most affordable model yet and its combination of range, performance and price being suitable for many customers; furthering our mission. If you prefer something even more capable for yourself please explore Model Y Long Range and Performance; otherwise we have chosen to equip Model Y AWD with a lower energy battery pack which results in reduced range, acceleration and price point."
As Tesla has indicated that they could expand production facilities to increase manufacturing rates, we have closely observed developments on Kato Road and at Fremont Factory.
Tesla's goal for 2017 is to produce 1.8 million cars, and with increased efforts at both Giga Texas and Berlin factories it seems on track for this goal. If expansion happens at Fremont Factory too then expansion to 4680 cell project becomes inevitable.
Filings reviewed by Teslarati indicate the automaker has continued its expansion of the Materials Lab, where research and development for 4680 cell and other battery projects takes place.
Tesla filed revisions to their expansion project in April, while modifications have already taken place since 2021 in their Materials Lab.
Tesla received its initial permit to expand their Materials Lab located at 47400 Kato Road in Fremont in July 2021 and since then, filings have continued - most recently between early and late April this year.
Tesla is increasing production of the 4680 project cell to accommodate its incorporation into vehicles built at Gigafactory Texas, such as Model Y.
Tesla first unveiled the 4680 cell at their Battery Day event in 2020. At that time, Tesla demonstrated how its new cell design could not only increase longevity but also power output and vehicle range - something yet untested on cars equipped with 4680 packs.
Tesla Model Y vehicles fitted with 4680 cells have proven to have less range than others; however, there may be several explanations as to why. Tesla has done their best to explain these phenomena.
Tesla responded to criticisms regarding the range ratings of their 4680 pack:
"Introducing new cells meant introducing a new variant of Model Y. With AWD being our most affordable model yet and its combination of range, performance and price being suitable for many customers; furthering our mission. If you prefer something even more capable for yourself please explore Model Y Long Range and Performance; otherwise we have chosen to equip Model Y AWD with a lower energy battery pack which results in reduced range, acceleration and price point."
As Tesla has indicated that they could expand production facilities to increase manufacturing rates, we have closely observed developments on Kato Road and at Fremont Factory.
Tesla's goal for 2017 is to produce 1.8 million cars, and with increased efforts at both Giga Texas and Berlin factories it seems on track for this goal. If expansion happens at Fremont Factory too then expansion to 4680 cell project becomes inevitable.
