Panasonic Holdings said it is developing a new battery technology that could increase the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs) by about 25 percent, with plans to bring the innovation to market by 2027, Reuters reported. The Japanese company, a key supplier to Tesla, aims to address consumer concerns over range anxiety through the breakthrough.
The new system eliminates the anode during manufacturing, with a lithium metal anode forming during the first charging cycle. This enables the use of more active cathode material while maintaining the same volume, boosting energy density without adding weight or size to the battery pack.
A 25 percent improvement in range would translate to roughly 90 miles (145 km) of additional driving distance for Tesla’s Model 3, extending its total range to about 450 miles on a single charge.
Analysts say the approach could give automakers greater flexibility in designing EVs with longer ranges without requiring major structural changes.
Panasonic also plans to reduce costs by lowering the proportion of nickel in the new batteries. The company has not yet indicated whether the technology will result in lower EV prices for Tesla or other automakers. Commercialization is targeted for the end of 2027, depending on development progress.
