Elon Musk’s flagship 4680 cell design is deemed a failure by the world’s leading battery manufacturer.

Robin Zeng, founder of the world’s largest EV battery company, Modern Amperex Technology (CATL), is sceptical about Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for 4680 cylindrical cell technology, predicting it will ultimately fail to achieve success. According to Zeng, he and Musk had a heated debate when Musk visited China in April, with Zeng emerging victorious. He was silent. He’s perplexed by the notion that making a battery seems an inscrutable process.

Tesla’s “tablet-less” 4680 cells, used in some of its vehicles, including the Cybertruck, are touted to possess an additional 100% power capability, with the company having reportedly manufactured 100 million units. According to reports, Elon Musk recently tasked the team responsible for the batteries with a year-end deadline to address pricing and other concerns.

CATL batteries seamlessly integrate into a wide range of electric vehicles, from Tesla models in China to Ford’s EV offerings in North America, including the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. The company concentrates primarily on the development of lithium iron phosphate batteries, a type that tends to exhibit less variability compared to numerous cylindrical cell products used in many Tesla vehicles.

While Zeng had reservations about Musk’s battery data, he felt more confident in his expertise on microchips, software, hardware, and mechanical aspects.

Zeng noted that one of Musk’s drawbacks is his propensity for overpromising timelines, a habit he frequently exhibits, especially with regards to the development of Full Self-Driving technology. “Possibly, one thing requires a five-year commitment.” However he says two years. I undoubtedly requested him why. He directed me that he had to mobilize people.