Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, has openly criticized Tesla’s 4680 cylindrical cell technology. Zeng asserts that this ambitious battery design, heavily promoted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, “is going to fail and never be successful.”
During Musk’s visit to China in April, Zeng and Musk engaged in a heated debate over the 4680 battery’s viability. Zeng recalls presenting his concerns to Musk, who, according to Zeng, remained silent and appeared unable to defend the new battery technology effectively. Zeng remarked, “He doesn’t know how to make a battery.”
Tesla 4680 cells promise delivering five times more energy capacity
Tesla’s 4680 cells, introduced with the promise of delivering five times more energy capacity, have been a cornerstone of Musk’s strategy to enhance vehicle performance and reduce costs. In September, Tesla announced the production of 100 million of these cells. However, reports indicate that Musk has set an end-of-year deadline for the team working on these batteries to address cost and production challenges.
CATL, headquartered in China, supplies batteries to various automakers, including Tesla’s Shanghai factory and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models in North America. The company specializes in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for their safety and cost-effectiveness, though they typically offer less range compared to other battery types.
Zeng also criticized Musk’s tendency to overpromise on timelines, particularly concerning Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology. He noted that Musk often sets ambitious deadlines, such as two years for projects that might realistically require five years, to motivate his team. Zeng commented, “His problem is overpromising… He told me he wanted to push people.”
This public critique from a leading figure in the battery industry raises questions about the future of Tesla’s 4680 battery technology. As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of EV technology, the company faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while maintaining its position in the competitive EV market.
The debate between Zeng and Musk highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in advancing battery technology. As the EV industry evolves, the success of new technologies like Tesla’s 4680 cells will depend on overcoming technical hurdles and gaining acceptance from industry experts and consumers alike.
Tesla’s response to these criticisms and its ability to address the challenges associated with the 4680 battery will be crucial in determining the company’s future trajectory in the rapidly growing EV market.
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