- Tesla CEO Elon Musk had promised one million-mile battery packs in April last year
- These one million mile battery packs might first come equipped in Tesla’s long-haul trucks and robotaxis
Tesla Motors, on 26 December 2019, has filed a patent for a new Lithium Ion battery technology. This new patented design, as per a report published by the Forbes, can outperform the existing Li-Ion batteries found in existing Tesla cars. The company filed this patent in partnership with Canada’s Dalhousie University.
The global electric vehicle market size, as per a report by Allied Market Research, was valued at $118,864.5 million in 2017, and is projected to reach $567,299.8 million by 2025. It is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 22.3 per cent from 2018 to 2025. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery market, is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 22.58 per cent, during the forecast period between 2018-2025.
95 per cent life after 1,000 discharge cycles
The same report by Forbes mentions that if this patent is related to the one million-mile battery pack then it might hold 95 per cent of its life even after completing 1,000 discharge cycles. It is to be noted here that most of the battery packs are usually in the last quarter of their life after completing same number of discharge cycles.
Tesla’s new patent also mentions of a new cathode crystal structure and chemical makeup. This might mean it is significantly more resistant to the damage caused by cycling. The new battery, as per the Forbes report, would hold 90 per cent after 4,000 cycles.
Beyond passenger vehicles
The Elon Musk headed company currently sells electric vehicles in the passenger segment only. However, it has time and again, hinted towards launching electric trucks and taxis in the future.
Company’s Model S EV passenger car currently promises 370 miles. The lifespan on most of these battery packs is in the 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 miles. While this lifespan seems good for passenger vehicle segment, it might not be the same for commercial trucks and taxis as these travel far more miles in a day than a passenger vehicle.
If this new patent relates to Tesla’s one-million mile battery pack, then the Elon Musk’s company is another step closer to launching robotaxis and commercial long-haul trucks.
