Tesla Set to Unveil Four New Battery Cells by 2026

Tesla is gearing up to introduce four new types of 4680 battery cells by 2026, marking another leap forward in battery technology that promises to enhance performance, range, and manufacturing efficiency across its electric vehicle lineup.

The Evolution of the 4680 Cell

The 4680 cell represents Tesla’s next generation of battery innovation, designed to replace the older 2170 cells found in current Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. While the 2170 cells have been fine-tuned over time, they no longer meet the demands of future electric vehicles that require improved range and energy density. The 4680 cell is Tesla's answer to these challenges, offering a significant upgrade.

Early attempts to use the 4680 battery in the Model Y didn’t gain much traction, but with the introduction of the Cybercell in the Cybertruck, Tesla successfully demonstrated its potential. In response to the positive feedback, Tesla is further enhancing the 4680 cell using a dry cathode process, which makes the cell easier to manufacture and lowers production costs.

Challenges in Production

Despite the promise of the 4680 cell, production has not been without hurdles. Reports suggest that Tesla has faced significant difficulties during test production, with a large percentage of anode materials being scrapped. However, through continuous R&D, Tesla has been able to overcome many of these issues and recently demonstrated the new dry cathode process in the Cybertruck.

Currently, Tesla produces the 4680 cells at its Fremont factory in California, but it plans to expand production to a new facility outside of Giga Texas. This new plant will be dedicated to producing the 4680D cell, and according to Elon Musk, this shift will reduce production costs by about 30%.

The Four New Cells for 2026

Tesla’s four new cells, set to launch in 2026, come with intriguing code names, the first being “NC05.” While "NC" stands for "New Cell," we expect Tesla to give it a more creative name when it moves out of R&D.

The NC05 cell is expected to be a cost-effective solution for Tesla’s upcoming $25,000 model, as well as the Cybercab, designed for mass-market appeal.

Next up is the NC20, which is designed for larger vehicles like Tesla’s SUVs and the Cybertruck. This larger cell is optimized for towing and handling heavier loads, particularly under challenging conditions like extreme cold.

The final two, the NC30 and NC50, represent a significant departure from traditional battery materials. Tesla is expected to introduce silicon-carbon anodes, which can store and transfer energy much faster than conventional materials. This innovation could lead to faster charging times and increased energy output.

The NC30 is slated to power future versions of the Cybertruck and Tesla’s SUV lineup, while the NC50 will likely be used in high-performance models, such as the new Tesla Roadster and Plaid variants.

Future Applications

While Tesla hasn’t confirmed whether these new technologies will be applied to its energy storage products, such as Powerwalls or Megapacks, it’s expected that improvements in cost and efficiency will trickle down to these areas as well.

As battery technology continues to be a critical factor in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, Tesla's advancements in this field are poised to have a transformative impact on the industry.