In Competition with Korean and Japanese Makers
An increasing number of Chinese companies are entering the cylindrical battery market, which has been led by South Korean and Japanese EV battery manufacturers.
CATL, EVE and CBAK are planning to start the mass production of 4680 cylindrical batteries this year. EVE and CBAK are currently building facilities in order to produce the NCM batteries with a diameter of 46 mm and a length of 80 mm.
These batteries’ capacity and output are at least 500 percent and 200 percent of existing cylindrical battery cells. In addition, the former are easier to manufacture, more cost-effective, and more advantageous in terms of battery system control and design. Panasonic, LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are also preparing to manufacture the batteries.
Chinese companies have concentrated on LFP batteries so far. However, they are shifting their focus towards cylindrical batteries with a number of automakers and electric vehicle startups, including Tesla, interested in 4680 batteries.
Panasonic is in the final stage of development and its production in Japan is scheduled to start this year. LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI are following it and Lucid Motors is considering using the same batteries.