Tesla supplier Panasonic targets 25% EV driving range boost with breakthrough battery tech by 2027

Range anxiety remains a concern for electric vehicle owners. However, Panasonic has revealed it might be close to a breakthrough that could extend the driving range by 25 percent.

The battery giant is developing a battery system with higher energy storage capacity by eliminating the anode during the manufacturing stage. According to Reuters reporting, Panasonic hopes the technology will be ready by the end of 2027.

Charging the battery for the first time will produce a lithium metal anode. This method will enable Panasonic to pack in more active cathode materials, thereby increasing the energy capacity while maintaining the same volume.

To put the gain in driving range in context, a 25 percent boost will add about 90 miles (145 km) to the Tesla Model 3, without any increase in weight or current battery pack size. This means the cheapest Tesla car could last about 450 miles on a single charge.

Panasonic also plans to cut costs by lowering the proportion of nickel used in the battery. The energy giant, however, has not indicated if the new tech will result in lower EV costs for Tesla and other EV makers.