Heaptalk, Jakarta — Panasonic Energy, a Panasonic Group Company, will produce EV batteries in the Wakayama factory, which has been relaunched as the primary production facility. Mass production will start after the final evaluation.
Located in Western Japan, this factory will produce 4680 cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, which offer substantial improvements over the conventional 2170 cells. These new cells possess five times the capacity of the 2170 cell, enabling the extension of EVs’ driving range while reducing the number of cells required for the same battery pack capacity. This results in a more efficient battery pack assembly process and ultimately lowers the cost of EVs, making them more affordable to a broader market.
However, the 4680’s manufacturing process requires more advanced technology and expertise, as it has a larger capacity per cell. Leveraging its 30 years of know-how in developing cylindrical lithium-ion battery technology, Panasonic Energy has pioneered a mass production method for high-performance 4680 cells, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Involving 400 staff by March 2025
Kazuo Tadanobu, President and Executive Officer of Panasonic Energy, stated, “I am excited that we are ready to start the mass production of the cutting-edge 4680 cells. This milestone results from years of expertise in cylindrical lithium-ion battery manufacturing. I’m confident it will significantly revolutionize the battery and EV industry. As we add the 4680 cells to our lineup, we’ll cater to a broader range of needs, further promoting the use of EVs and advancing our mission of fostering a sustainable society.”
In more detail, the Wakayama factory will now act as the mother factory for producing 4680 cells and as a demonstration hub for new products and methods. The factory will play a key role in enhancing product quality and competitiveness, with newly trialed processes set to be implemented globally in other factories. By March 2025, it is expected that roughly 400 staff will be involved in developing and producing next-generation batteries at the Wakayama factory.
To achieve environmentally friendly manufacturing, the Wakayama factory plans to utilize renewable energy sources like solar and onshore wind power to the fullest extent, aiming for virtually zero CO2 emissions during production. This eco-conscious approach has already been successfully implemented at the company’s Moriguchi base and Kaizuka factory in Osaka, resulting in carbon neutrality across all nine of the company’s domestic bases as of September 2024. Panasonic Energy aims to extend this achievement to all 20 global bases by March 2029.
