LG aims to take top spot in 4680 battery that offers 5x more energy

LG aims to surge ahead in the race for 4680 battery production, competing with CATL, Samsung, SK, Panasonic, and Tesla.

The 4680 battery, with a diameter of 46mm and a length of 80mm, is considered a breakthrough in the battery industry. Analysts and industry experts note that it offers five times the energy density and six times the output of the traditional 2170 battery, while also improving electric vehicle range by at least 20%.

Though pouch and prismatic battery types are most common among EV makers, automakers like BMW, GM, and Stellantis are increasingly adopting the 4680 cylindrical battery due to its advantages.

Nearly all major battery manufacturers, including Korean companies LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Samsung SDI, are striving for large-scale production. However, none have succeeded yet, with the main challenge being the technology needed for mass production.

A game-changer and a “weapon”

Earlier this year, LG Energy CEO Kim Dong-myung announced that the company plans to start mass production of the larger cylindrical cells used by Tesla Inc. as early as August.

Another LG Energy official highlighted that achieving mass production of the 4680 battery could be a game-changer. As the world’s third-largest battery maker, LG Energy views the 4680 battery as a significant tool for shifting market dynamics, behind China’s CATL and BYD Co.

“The 4680 battery is a weapon with which you can change the market dynamics,” the official stated .

Company executives now expect to start large-scale production of 4680 batteries in December, four months later than originally planned. If successful, LG would become the first company in the world to achieve this. LG has also announced that it will supply the new batteries to Tesla and other clients.

Furthermore, the stakes are high because Tesla, the world’s second-largest EV maker after China’s BYD, is reportedly facing challenges in developing 4680 batteries in-house. The company is struggling with technological issues, including low product yields, which adds pressure to LG’s efforts to become the first to mass-produce these batteries.

Supercell status for its performance and cost benefits

The 4680 battery is frequently referred to as a supercell due to its higher efficiency, enhanced safety, and lower costs compared to conventional batteries.

The 4680 battery type weighs 70-80% less than comparable pouch or prismatic batteries while delivering the same energy density , resulting in a longer driving range. Its design eliminates the need for separate modules, simplifying the battery management system (BMS) and enhancing safety .

However, industry officials note that producing 4680 batteries with key components—cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator—inside the cylindrical form remains challenging. Analysts predict it could take at least a decade for EVs to fully adopt the 4680 battery commercially.

Meanwhile, there are hopes that a Korean company could succeed in developing the next-generation battery first. As an industry executive noted, if successful, it would gain a significant advantage in attracting automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which currently rely heavily on Chinese prismatic batteries.