Panasonic, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cylindrical-type battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs), has begun early talks with Stellantis and BMW to supply their vehicles with batteries.
Stellantis, which owns several automobile brands including Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Dodge, has already announced plans to operate three battery plants in North America. The company is reportedly in conversation with Panasonic to supply the batteries for these plants, although details are yet to be confirmed.
See also: Panasonic builds electric vehicle battery factory for Tesla in United States
BMW, on the other hand, is said to be exploring alternatives to its current Chinese partner, Envision AESC, due to stricter battery sourcing requirements in the US. The German automaker has expressed interest in using cylindrical cell batteries in its future vehicles and aims to build at least one battery facility in North America.
Cylindrical cell batteries are typically associated with Tesla, with the new 4680 cell being hailed as the next step in battery design. The new technology is larger, safer, and more energy-dense than other cell geometries, making it an attractive option for EV manufacturers.
Panasonic has previously been a major supplier of cylindrical-type battery cells to Tesla. However, the company is now looking to expand its customer base and is reportedly in talks with other automakers about building battery plants in North America.
See also: Panasonic to build 4680 batteries plant in Kansas to supply Tesla EVs
While talks between Panasonic and Stellantis/BMW are still in their early stages, this news highlights the growing demand for cylindrical-type battery cells in the EV industry. As more automakers transition to electric vehicles, battery suppliers like Panasonic will play a critical role in meeting this demand and powering the future of transportation.
