Panasonic to invest $100 million in Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada

The relationship between the Japanese battery cell manufacturer and Tesla seems to be finally strengthening, after having suffered some ups and downs during the last few months. According to the latest reports, Panasonic would have committed to Invest $100 million in Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada, with the ultimate goal of installing a new battery production line.

That is at least what some Japanese media are saying, adding that this will allow Panasonic to increase its production of battery cells. by ten percent up to 39 Gigawatt-hours per year.

This significant investment, if it finally materializes, will occur after the Japanese company and Tesla recently signed a new agreement, by which the former agrees to supply cells for the batteries of the American manufacturer's vehicles. for the next three years.

Higher energy density in each cell of the new Tesla

But that's not all, since according to some Japanese sources, in addition to increasing its production capacity, Panasonic also plans Increase the energy density of its cells by 5 percent starting this coming September.

An increase that, moreover, would be maintained over time, since Panasonic hopes to gradually increase the energy density of its "2170" cells. to reach 20 percent within five yearsAdditionally, the Japanese firm is also working to completely eliminate cobalt from the composition of these cells within two to three years.

This information highlights the American firm's commitment to continue working with Panasonic, as it has been doing for the past few years. However, as Tesla has grown as a company, the situation has changed and is no longer exactly the same.

Panasonic has long since ceased to be Tesla's sole supplier

In China, Tesla now has LG Chem y CATL as battery cell suppliers, pushing aside Panasonic after the latter refused to invest in the Shanghai Gigafactory to start battery production there, as it does in Nevada.

Tesla's vehicle production in Europe will also likely not include Panasonic as a battery cell supplier. The American firm plans to produce its own battery cells at the new plant it is building in Berlin. Although this is something that is not yet confirmed.

In any case, in the long term, Tesla hopes to be completely independent of other battery cell suppliers, whatever they may be called. Which obviously includes Panasonic as well.