I Stopped Worrying About Battery Life of the 4680

[henchman24]

That is incorrect, you continually spread fake anti-Tesla narratives without supporting evidence. Tesla is still actively developing the 4680 cell and intends to use them in the Tesla Semi (entering production this year), the Cybercab (entering production this year) and Optimus robot.

Here are the facts:

As of January 2026, Tesla has not abandoned continued development of the 4680 cell, though the program faces extreme scrutiny and significant setbacks.

Current Status of Development (2026)

• Active Scaling: Elon Musk has projected that 4680 production will ramp up "very dramatically" throughout 2026 to support the full production of the Tesla Semi, Cybercab, and the Optimus robot.
• Technical Milestones: By late 2024, Tesla achieved a milestone where its in-house 4680 cells became its lowest-cost cell per kWh, reportedly outpacing external supplier costs for the first time.
• Dry Cathode Progress: Tesla is currently iterating on four new variants of the 4680 cell that utilize "dry cathode" technology, a more efficient manufacturing process previously considered an "almost impossible" hurdle.
• Model Y Refresh ("Juniper"): While 4680-equipped Model Y production was previously curtailed due to slow charging issues, Tesla plans to reintroduce the cells to its SUV lineup using the NC20 variant in 2026.
• Performance Vehicles: High-performance models like the Tesla Roadster and Model S Plaid are expected to eventually use the NC50 4680 variant, which incorporates silicon-carbon anode materials for faster charging and higher power output.

Upcoming 4680 Variants (Project 4680D)

By late 2026, Tesla aims to introduce four distinct variants of the cell, each optimized for different use cases:

• NC05: Optimized for cost; intended for the Cybercab and entry-level models.
• NC20: Optimized for volume and towing; intended for SUVs and the Cybertruck.
• NC30 & NC50: Feature silicon-carbon anodes for ultra-fast charging and performance in models like the Roadster.

Claiming Tesla has abandoned the idea of using 4680 cells in other vehicles is an extraordinary claim that requires extraordinary evidence that it's true. Tesla has never claimed this and there is no evidence that indicates abandonment of the 4680.

Dave, the more you post your fake anti-Tesla "news" here, the more that knowledgeable people see through your fake claims and understand who you really are. Facts matter, not unsupported hyperbole.

Only a very slight correction, the NC50 is a 2170 cell. It gets misreported a lot and lumped in with 4680s being planned, but it is a 2170 cell that is tabless, dry cathode, and silicon-carbon anode (~10% +/- 2). The NC30 cell is the same tech for the 4680 cell that will hit refresh CT at some point in the future (probably early 27). It is simply taking technologies and applying them to the smaller form factor cells. Which is really for 2 main reasons, discharge rate and heat management. For discharge rate, it is a smaller cell with a lower resistance, so for outright power it can deliver more on the pack size they are looking at. Then thermally, Tesla continues to utilize ribbon cooling vs plate cooling (IMO a good thing), and with how they design packs, the 2170 simply has more surface area to conduct heat away from the cells. Since the Roadster's C-Rate demands are so high, the smaller cells that allow a higher C-Rate and can transfer heat away are the better option.

There is a rumor that the Y is going to skip the NC20 cell (the 973 chemistry cell that the CT switched over to last fall) and go straight to NC30 late in 26. It'll be termed as a long-range model that will have a ~91-92kWh pack with better charging (325kW with a better curve). Still 400v architecture. This is supposedly what Giga Berlin is getting 4680 production spinned up for. Grain of salt there as they are purely rumors that are not substantiated. Giga Texas is currently spitting out NC20 cells. The Nevada LFP plant is spinning out NC05 cells. It is unclear if the first runs of Cybercab will have the NC05 cells to start (current mules are mostly running 955 chemistry Cybercells or NC20 cells), but eventually they will get those cells.

Sponsored

 

[HaulingAss]

Only a very slight correction, the NC50 is a 2170 cell. It gets misreported a lot and lumped in with 4680s being planned, but it is a 2170 cell that is tabless, dry cathode, and silicon-carbon anode (~10% +/- 2). The NC30 cell is the same tech for the 4680 cell that will hit refresh CT at some point in the future (probably early 27). It is simply taking technologies and applying them to the smaller form factor cells. Which is really for 2 main reasons, discharge rate and heat management. For discharge rate, it is a smaller cell with a lower resistance, so for outright power it can deliver more on the pack size they are looking at. Then thermally, Tesla continues to utilize ribbon cooling vs plate cooling (IMO a good thing), and with how they design packs, the 2170 simply has more surface area to conduct heat away from the cells. Since the Roadster's C-Rate demands are so high, the smaller cells that allow a higher C-Rate and can transfer heat away are the better option.

There is a rumor that the Y is going to skip the NC20 cell (the 973 chemistry cell that the CT switched over to last fall) and go straight to NC30 late in 26. It'll be termed as a long-range model that will have a ~91-92kWh pack with better charging (325kW with a better curve). Still 400v architecture. This is supposedly what Giga Berlin is getting 4680 production spinned up for. Grain of salt there as they are purely rumors that are not substantiated. Giga Texas is currently spitting out NC20 cells. The Nevada LFP plant is spinning out NC05 cells. It is unclear if the first runs of Cybercab will have the NC05 cells to start (current mules are mostly running 955 chemistry Cybercells or NC20 cells), but eventually they will get those cells.

That's good to know, the NC50 variant of a tabless design is intended to be a "supercell". I hope it pans out, otherwise Roadster reservation holders are going to be "reservationing" a while longer (or getting their deposit back!).

 

[PungoteagueDave]

That is incorrect, you continually spread fake anti-Tesla narratives without supporting evidence. Tesla is still actively developing the 4680 cell and intends to use them in the Tesla Semi (entering production this year), the Cybercab (entering production this year) and Optimus robot.

Here are the facts:

As of January 2026, Tesla has not abandoned continued development of the 4680 cell, though the program faces extreme scrutiny and significant setbacks.

Current Status of Development (2026)

• Active Scaling: Elon Musk has projected that 4680 production will ramp up "very dramatically" throughout 2026 to support the full production of the Tesla Semi, Cybercab, and the Optimus robot.
• Technical Milestones: By late 2024, Tesla achieved a milestone where its in-house 4680 cells became its lowest-cost cell per kWh, reportedly outpacing external supplier costs for the first time.
• Dry Cathode Progress: Tesla is currently iterating on four new variants of the 4680 cell that utilize "dry cathode" technology, a more efficient manufacturing process previously considered an "almost impossible" hurdle.
• Model Y Refresh ("Juniper"): While 4680-equipped Model Y production was previously curtailed due to slow charging issues, Tesla plans to reintroduce the cells to its SUV lineup using the NC20 variant in 2026.
• Performance Vehicles: High-performance models like the Tesla Roadster and Model S Plaid are expected to eventually use the NC50 4680 variant, which incorporates silicon-carbon anode materials for faster charging and higher power output.

Upcoming 4680 Variants (Project 4680D)

By late 2026, Tesla aims to introduce four distinct variants of the cell, each optimized for different use cases:

• NC05: Optimized for cost; intended for the Cybercab and entry-level models.
• NC20: Optimized for volume and towing; intended for SUVs and the Cybertruck.
• NC30 & NC50: Feature silicon-carbon anodes for ultra-fast charging and performance in models like the Roadster.

Claiming Tesla has abandoned the idea of using 4680 cells in other vehicles is an extraordinary claim that requires extraordinary evidence that it's true. Tesla has never claimed this and there is no evidence that indicates abandonment of the 4680.

Dave, the more you post your fake anti-Tesla "news" here, the more that knowledgeable people see through your fake claims and understand who you really are. Facts matter, not unsupported hyperbole.

You apparently missed the part where Tesla cancelled installation in the M3, MY and the related cast frame structure. It’s simply a FACT that the cell WAS intended for the mass production high volume cars and that is no longer the case. I realize you have me living in your head, but you also apparently missed the Tesla cancellation of its major 4680 components contract due to these issues, resulting in a $2.9 billion write-off. But yeah, you’re correct, the 4680 program is doing fine, it the future. Not. From AI:

“Tesla significantly reduced a major 4680 battery cathode supply contract with South Korean supplier L&F Co. by approximately 99%, reducing its value from $2.9 billion to just $7,386. This massive reduction, reported in late 2025, stems from slower-than-expected 4680 cell production, technical hurdles with the dry electrode process, and lower-than-expected Cybertruck demand.
Key details regarding the contract reduction:
Drastic Reduction: The contract was initially meant to supply high-nickel cathode materials. L&F announced the 99% reduction in a regulatory filing, signaling a collapse in the supply chain agreement.
4680 Production Issues: Tesla has struggled to scale production of the 4680 cells to match its initial, ambitious targets.
Low Demand: The 4680 cells are only used in the Tesla Cybertruck, which has not met sales expectations, leading to a reduced need for the materials.
Shift in Strategy: With the 4680 production challenges, Tesla has had to rethink its reliance on certain 4680 supply partners and adjust its manufacturing targets.

 

[henchman24]

You apparently missed the part where Tesla cancelled installation in the M3, MY and the related cast frame structure. It’s simply a FACT that the cell WAS intended for the mass production high volume cars and that is no longer the case. I realize you have me living in your head, but you also apparently missed the Tesla cancellation of its major 4680 components contract due to these issues, resulting in a $2.9 billion write-off. But yeah, you’re correct, the 4680 program is doing fine, it the future. Not. From AI:

“Tesla significantly reduced a major 4680 battery cathode supply contract with South Korean supplier L&F Co. by approximately 99%, reducing its value from $2.9 billion to just $7,386. This massive reduction, reported in late 2025, stems from slower-than-expected 4680 cell production, technical hurdles with the dry electrode process, and lower-than-expected Cybertruck demand.
Key details regarding the contract reduction:
Drastic Reduction: The contract was initially meant to supply high-nickel cathode materials. L&F announced the 99% reduction in a regulatory filing, signaling a collapse in the supply chain agreement.
4680 Production Issues: Tesla has struggled to scale production of the 4680 cells to match its initial, ambitious targets.
Low Demand: The 4680 cells are only used in the Tesla Cybertruck, which has not met sales expectations, leading to a reduced need for the materials.
Shift in Strategy: With the 4680 production challenges, Tesla has had to rethink its reliance on certain 4680 supply partners and adjust its manufacturing targets.

This is amazingly timely.

These are the NC20 cells that have been in the CT the last few months. Rumor about skipping ended up being false (or is limited to Europe?). Berlin is currently building up their 4680 lines with the hopes of being ready for mass production by the end of the year.

It was never planned for the 3.

In the end 46xxx is simply a can size, and the whole cylindrical market is moving towards the 46mm size. Tesla put in a bunch of extras into theirs and has had issues with scrap. Most of that seems behind them with the NC20 cell. Silicon-carbon is the next stage for Tesla. Outside Tesla, you can buy commodity 46xxx cells widely from 40mm to 150mm height. They lack density currently from LG, BYD, and CATL, but that should change on their next revisions.

 

[Kaz109]

What am I doing wrong , my CB should’ve 28xmi at 100% charged

 

[henchman24]

What am I doing wrong , my CB should’ve 28xmi at 100% charged

If you're charging to 100% all the time that would do it.

The mileage counter is pretty unreliable though. It can be off 3-4-5% without having anything be off at all.

 

[Kaz109]

If you're charging to 100% all the time that would do it.

The mileage counter is pretty unreliable though. It can be off 3-4-5% without having anything be off at all.

No I do not charge it to 100% all the time , but I do when I’m going to be traveling 250mi or more and I never let it sit at 100% long ( under an hr at most ) . My daily charge sits at 50-80%

 

[henchman24]

No I do not charge it to 100% all the time , but I do when I’m going to be traveling 250mi or more and I never let it sit at 100% long ( under an hr at most ) . My daily charge sits at 50-80%

Then you're doing nothing wrong. There is going to be variance and your BMS probably has some sway. Only real way to know full pack capacity is to charge to 100% and slowly discharge down to zero and see how much was pulled from the pack. IIRC Tesla took the public facing battery test out of service mode because people were running the tests and freaking at the results. It really isn't uncommon for 21+ 3/Ys to lose 10-12% in the first year and then slowly creep to 20% over the next few years (that's on the high side, but not uncommon). Depending what you have as your model and wheels/tires, ~285 isn't real close to 10%. I wouldn't really worry about it.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

This is amazingly timely.

These are the NC20 cells that have been in the CT the last few months. Rumor about skipping ended up being false (or is limited to Europe?). Berlin is currently building up their 4680 lines with the hopes of being ready for mass production by the end of the year.

It was never planned for the 3.

In the end 46xxx is simply a can size, and the whole cylindrical market is moving towards the 46mm size. Tesla put in a bunch of extras into theirs and has had issues with scrap. Most of that seems behind them with the NC20 cell. Silicon-carbon is the next stage for Tesla. Outside Tesla, you can buy commodity 46xxx cells widely from 40mm to 150mm height. They lack density currently from LG, BYD, and CATL, but that should change on their next revisions.

Yeah. My comment didn’t age well. I stand corrected.

 

[SCTesla]

Yeah. My comment didn’t age well. I stand corrected.

FWIW Tesla has a battery supply issue (according to the ER) and are transitioning to 4680 due to the surplus of those currently.

 

[henchman24]

Yeah. My comment didn’t age well. I stand corrected.

It happens to all of us!

I've followed batteries for a long-time... and this whole change to the 46 series is just like the transition to the 18 and 21 series cells prior. It always starts off rough and then the industry figures it out around 3-5 years into the transition. We're going to have 46 series cells in handheld power tools this year. We have them in those little power station batteries now. They are not without some limitations currently (namely density and heat management), but 46 series cells are going to be the dominant cylindrical format in over the next decade due to the inherent cost reduction. LG, Samsung, Panasonic, CATL, BYD among many others are all moving to the format.

Sponsored