Does 4680 format, LFP, match 2170, NMA, cell?

[bwilson4web]

Hi,

Just an open question but I'm wondering if the 4680 format, LFP, can lead to a pack with similar performance to a 2170, NMA pack?

Bob Wilson

 

[bwilson4web]

Correction, NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum) chemistry in 2170 cells.

Source_1:
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/09/22/everything-you-need-to-know-about-teslas-new-4680-battery-cell/

The larger jelly roll packs more active battery material into the casing for a 5× improvement in energy storage and a 6× increase in power. Scaling up to the pack, the new form factor alone delivers a 16% increase in range.
...
eliminating the tab actually makes it easier for electrons to get around inside the cell than in the current 2170 cells. “You actually have a shorter path length in a large tabless cell than you have in a smaller cell with tabs,” Musk said.
...
the battery cell.

• 14% improvement in cost/kWh coming from the change in cell form factor.

• 18% improvement in cost/kWh as a result of the 10× manufacturing footprint reduction and 10× manufacturing energy consumption reduction. The new dry manufacturing process enables pressing the active battery powder material directly into a film. The new manufacturing process is based on Maxwell Technologies’ proprietary “proof of concept” process. Process is not at production scale yet, but there is a “clear path” to large scale production.

• 5% improvement in cost/kWh coming from the increase utilization of silicon in the battery cells.

• 12% reduction in cost/kWh coming from improvements in the cathode material.

• 7% improvement in battery pack cost per kWh as a result of Tesla’s new integrated vehicle design. Tesla redesigned its vehicles using new front and rear castings that integrate with the battery pack. To accomplish this, Tesla developed a completely new alloy to enable casting of some of the largest components in the automotive space. These bolt directly into a new “structural battery,” eliminating the need for redundant, parallel elements in Teslas.

Source_2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_nickel_cobalt_aluminium_oxides

The usable charge storage capacity of NCA is about 180 to 200 mAh/g ... lithium iron phosphate LiFePO4 with 165 mAh/g​

Based on this:

• (165 - 180) / 180 = -8.3 % lower energy density
• (165 - 200) / 200 = -17.5% lower energy density
• 16% improved range from 4680 form factor

Off hand, it looks like a 4680 LFP pack will have similar performance to a 2170 NCA pack ... but more affordable.

Bob Wilson