Tesla’s new battery technology is the 4680 cylindrical cell, featuring a revolutionary tabless electrode design that delivers 5 times the energy capacity, 6 times the power output, and a 16% increase in vehicle range compared to the previous 2170 cells. First announced at Tesla’s September 2020 Battery Day, these cells entered volume production at Giga Texas in January 2023 and now power the Model Y rear-wheel-drive variant exclusively.

What Makes the 4680 Cell Different From Previous Tesla Batteries?

The 4680 cell measures 46mm in diameter and 80mm in length—significantly larger than the 2170 cell (21mm × 70mm). The tabless architecture eliminates traditional current collectors, reducing internal resistance by 50% and cutting manufacturing costs by an estimated 14% per kWh according to Tesla’s 2023 Q4 investor report. The structural battery pack integration allows the cells to serve as vehicle frame components, reducing overall weight by 10%.

Which Tesla Vehicles Currently Use 4680 Battery Technology?

As of Q1 2024, only the Model Y Standard Range built at Giga Texas utilizes 4680 cells. Tesla produced approximately 20 million 4680 cells in 2023—enough for roughly 27,000 vehicles. The Cybertruck, initially planned for 4680 cells, currently ships with 2170 packs while production scales. Tesla projects 100 GWh annual 4680 production capacity by late 2025, sufficient for 1.3 million vehicles based on an average 75 kWh pack size.