World’s largest electric car battery maker predicts Tesla failure

Electric car news

The universe of electric cars is experiencing a new shock with the recent statement by the CEO of CATL, the Chinese battery giant, which calls into question Tesla’s expertise in this crucial area. This confrontation between two major players in the sector raises essential questions about the future of electric mobility. Let’s dive into the details of this controversy which could redefine the contours of the automobile industry of tomorrow.

The clash between CATL and Tesla: at the heart of the battery battle

Robin Zang, CEO of CATL, world leader in batteries for electric vehiclesrecently made resounding statements against Elon Musk, the charismatic boss of Tesla. According to Zang, Musk “doesn’t know how to make a battery.” A statement that has the effect of a bombshell in the industry, especially since CATL is a major supplier to the automobile industry, particularly for manufacturers like BMW.

The main point of contention concerns Tesla’s 4680 cells, an innovation that the American brand presents as revolutionary. These cylindrical batteries, measuring 46mm in diameter and 80mm in height, are claimed to provide higher energy density and reduced production costs. However, Zang believes that this technology is doomed to failure.

The technological issues behind the controversy

To understand the importance of this controversy, we must understand the technological issues at stake. Batteries are the heart of electric carsdetermining their autonomy, their performance and their cost. The race for innovation in this area is therefore crucial for the future of electric mobility.

Here are the main points of comparison between traditional batteries and Tesla’s 4680 cells:

• Size: 21×70 mm for standard cells vs 46×80 mm for 4680
• Energy density: Higher for the 4680, promising better autonomy
• Production cost: Theoretically lower for the 4680
• Manufacturing complexity: Higher for the 4680, potential source of difficulties

CATL’s criticism raises doubts about Tesla’s ability to master this complex technology. If the promises of the 4680 cells do not materialize, this could have significant repercussions on the brand’s future models and on its competitiveness against other manufacturers.

Implications for the automotive industry

This controversy goes beyond a simple quarrel between two companies. It highlights the challenges facing the entire automotive industry in its transition to electric.

On the one hand, we have Tesla’s bold approach, which does not hesitate to shake up conventions and take technological risks. On the other hand, we have the prudence of an established player like CATL, which favors a more gradual and controlled evolution of battery technologies.

This divergence of vision raises several crucial questions for the future of electric cars :

• Which innovation strategy is most relevant to accelerate the mass adoption of electric vehicles?
• How do we balance technological promises with the realities of large-scale production?
• What role will partnerships between car manufacturers and battery manufacturers play in this development?

The impact on consumers and the market

Beyond technical considerations, this controversy will inevitably have repercussions on consumers and the consumer market. electric cars. If Tesla can deliver on its promises with the 4680 cells, it could result in vehicles with better range at a more competitive price. On the other hand, if CATL is right and this technology turns out to be a dead end, this could delay the accessibility of electric vehicles to the greatest number of people.

It is important to note that this controversy occurs in a context where demand for electric cars continues to grow. In Europe, for example, sales of electric vehicles have increased by 63% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This rapid growth puts additional pressure on battery manufacturers and manufacturers to innovate and reduce costs.

The challenges of large-scale production

Another crucial aspect raised by this controversy concerns Tesla’s ability to mass produce these new batteries. Elon Musk is known for his ambitious announcements and often optimistic deadlines. Robin Zang of CATL criticized this trend, saying that Musk tends to promise unrealistic deadlines to “push people”.

Large-scale battery production is a complex challenge that requires in-depth expertise and massive investments. Tesla has encountered difficulties in the past in meeting its production targets. The success or failure of mass production of 4680 cells could therefore have a significant impact on the company’s ability to meet growing demand for its vehicles.

The future of electric mobility at stake

This confrontation between Tesla and CATL illustrates the considerable issues currently at stake in the automobile industry. The future of electric mobility will largely depend on the ability of players in the sector to develop more efficient, more durable and less expensive batteries.

Innovations in this area are not limited to Tesla’s 4680 cells alone. Other promising technologies are in development, such as solid electrolyte batteries or sodium-ion batteries. The race for innovation is more intense than ever, and the outcome of this technological competition will shape the automotive landscape for decades to come.

As consumers and observers of this mobility revolution, we are at the forefront of a major industrial transformation. Whether Tesla’s bold approach or CATL’s caution proves more relevant, one thing is certain: advances in batteries will continue to push the boundaries of what electric cars can offer, paving the way for a future where sustainable mobility becomes the norm rather than the exception.

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