The first Panasonic lithium-ion battery factory for electric vehicles opened today in Dalian, China – marked by opening celebrations and a Press Release on their website.
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Panasonic lithium-ion battery factory to produce automotive pristmatic cells
The Panasonic lithium-ion battery factory will produce lithium-ion prismatic cells for electric vehicles, probably similar to those found in the Toyota Leaf. This stands in contrast to higher energy dense cylindrical cells like the 18650 or 21700 types used by Tesla.
Prismatic cells are similar to lithium polymer (pouch) cells. However, the cathode and anode sheets inside of prismatic cells may be stacked and folded higher and larger than most pouch cells allow. The other key difference is the plastic or metal battery case which surrounds prismatic packs. Pouch cells are soft and do not have external structural support (for example, to keep them from expanding, or to prevent them from being punctured) while prismatic cells always have a hard outer shell.
While cylindrical cells are more energy dense, all types of lithium-ion batteries are increasing their energy density quickly. In a few years time, all three types (cylindrical, polymer or pouch, and prismatic) will likely improve enough to provide an adequate driving range for electric vehicles regardless of which type is used.
However, today, cylindrical cells provide the best performance and cost. Automobile manufacturers may be choosing prismatic batteries because they are easier, more modular, and do not require inventions of unique safety systems such as is seen in Tesla vehicles. Since this factory is opening in China, one expects that most of the production will be for the Chinese domestic electric vehicle market.
Global production continues increasing
Panasonic has geared up production of its automotive batteries globally, increasing production in its li-ion factory in Japan, and planning to start production in the United States as well later this year. Such sentiments have been echoed by other battery manufacturers, for example, Elon Musk has recently hinted that he will announce four new Gigafactories this year, and they will probably not be in the USA.
The new Panasonic lithium-ion battery factory is a joint venture between Panasonic Corporation and Dalian Levear Electric Co – a company integrated tightly with the Chinese government by providing communications and defense equipment.
Overview of the new factory
- Type: Panasonic lithium-ion battery factory
- Site area: Approx. 170,000 m²
- Floor area: Approx. 80,000 m²
- Production items: Prismatic type lithium-ion batteries for eco-friendly vehicles
- Production launch: Fiscal 2018, ending March 31, 2018
Overview of the joint venture
- Name: Panasonic Automotive Energy Dalian Co., Ltd.
- Location: 177 Haiming Street, Dalian Free Trade Zone, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China Establishment: February 2016
- Capital: 273 million RMB
- Representatives: Chairman: Guochen Liu, Managing Director: Nobukazu Yamanishi
- Business operations: Design, manufacture, sales, and after-sales services of automotive batteries for eco-friendly vehicles.
- Employees: Approx. 500 (FY2018 plan)
