FYI: CATL chairman expresses skepticism about Tesla’s 4680 battery cells while affirming support for the company’s focus on Full Self-Driving technology.

CATL Chairman Questions Tesla’s 4680 Battery Success

In a candid dialogue with Tesla’s CEO in April, Robin Zeng, Chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), offered a critical view of Tesla’s ambitious 4680 battery cell initiative. According to a report from Reuters, Zeng advised Elon Musk that the cylindrical 4680 battery cell might not stand the test of time.

A Debate on Battery Innovation

During the meeting, Zeng conveyed his doubts about Tesla’s battery technology. "The conversation was intense. I laid out my perspective," Zeng remarked. He commented that Musk excels in areas such as software and mechanical engineering but lacks expertise in the intricacies of electrochemistry needed for battery innovation.

While Tesla announced its 100 millionth 4680 cell produced at its Texas Gigafactory in September, with plans to amplify production further in Nevada, Zeng’s remarks cast a shadow on the feasibility of this advancement. Moreover, a licensing agreement between Tesla and CATL suggests ongoing collaboration, expected to be fully operational by 2025.

Endorsement and Critique of Tesla’s FSD

Despite reservations about Tesla’s battery pursuits, Zeng showed support for Tesla’s approach to Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. This system relies solely on cameras rather than an array of sensors, which Zeng agreed is a promising direction.

However, Zeng also critiqued Musk’s propensity for ambitious timelines regarding technological rollouts. Pointing out a tendency to propose accelerated schedules, Zeng noted, "He often promises completion in two years when it might require five."

Future Aspirations and Challenges

CATL’s aspirations extend beyond partnerships with Tesla. The company expressed a willingness to construct a manufacturing plant in the United States, pending favorable conditions under the potential reinstatement of trade policies by President-elect Donald Trump. This openness could potentially bolster the U.S. economy by creating jobs, despite existing tariffs on electric vehicle imports.

In a world where battery technology and automotive innovation constantly evolve, statements from industry giants like Zeng provide crucial perspectives. Time will reveal if Tesla’s 4680 cells achieve the success Musk envisions, but one thing is certain: the road to electric transformation is paved with diverse opinions and bold ambitions.

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By William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi