Tesla seems to have chosen Bonne Eggleston as the next head of its ambitious 4680 battery cell program, following the departure of former SVP Powertrain and Energy Engineering Drew Baglino less than a month ago.
Reports of Eggleston’s apparent appointment surfaced in China, with tech publication LatePost stating that he had conducted a department-wide meeting where he announced a moratorium on layoffs. Despite this, Tesla is reportedly aiming to achieve significant cost reductions by the end of the year.
Meet Bonne Eggleston – Tesla's new head of 4680 battery program to take it to the next level! @Tesla @teslaenergy @elonmusk @LimitingThe @SawyerMerritt @gigafactories $TSLA https://t.co/7nhZJWQCs2 pic.twitter.com/Pmwdsl4xLq
— Chansoo Byeon (@ByeonChansoo) May 10, 2024
LatePost reported that Tesla is seeking to make its self-produced batteries cheaper than those provided by suppliers like Panasonic and LG Energy Solution. The company had reportedly warned earlier this year that it might abandon its 4680 efforts if cost reduction targets were not met by year-end.
Before Eggleston’s apparent appointment, Tesla’s battery materials department had reportedly laid off about half of its workforce, with the 4680 team itself seeing a 20% reduction in employees, leaving around 800 people.
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— Bonne Eggleston (@BonneEggleston) May 10, 2024
Eggleston seemed to confirm his appointment in a response on X, replying with two emojis that were interpreted by electric vehicle watchers as a subtle confirmation.
Tesla’s 4680 batteries are crucial to its future, currently being used in the Cybertruck produced at Giga Texas. If Tesla can successfully ramp up production and reduce costs, it’s likely that vehicles like the dedicated Robotaxi “Cybercab” will also use these next-generation cells.
