CATL Chairman Critiques Elon Musk's 4680 Battery Technology Amidst Industry Rivalry

In a recent statement, Robin Zeng, chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), expressed skepticism about Elon Musk's 4680 cylindrical cell technology, predicting it 'is going to fail.' Zeng's comments come in the wake of a heated debate in April 2024, where Musk reportedly remained silent on critical issues surrounding battery production [3d95c08d].

Tesla's 4680 cells, designed to enhance energy capacity, have seen significant production milestones, with 100 million units reportedly manufactured by September 2024. However, Zeng criticized Musk for what he perceives as overpromising timelines, particularly concerning Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology [3d95c08d].

CATL, the world's largest battery maker, plays a crucial role in the electric vehicle (EV) market, supplying batteries not only for Tesla in China but also for Ford EVs in North America. The company specializes in lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are known for their safety and longevity [3d95c08d].

This critique from CATL comes at a time when the competition in the EV battery sector is intensifying, with various manufacturers striving to innovate and capture market share. The rivalry between Tesla and CATL highlights the broader challenges and dynamics within the rapidly evolving battery technology landscape [3d95c08d].