After nine months of detailed discussions aimed at forging a strategic, medium- to long-term partnership centered on the provision of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for vehicles, Mazda Motor Corporation and Panasonic Energy have successfully reached an accord. The talks, which commenced in June 2023, have now culminated in a definitive agreement between these prominent Japanese companies to supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for automotive applications. This agreement effectively solidifies Mazda’s backing of Panasonic’s cylindrical battery technology for integration into their vehicles.
While concrete details surrounding the specifics of this collaboration have yet to be disclosed, both Mazda and Panasonic have affirmed their commitment to sharing pertinent information at the appropriate juncture. The precedence of this dialogue between Panasonic and Mazda bears a resemblance to the interactions Panasonic previously engaged in with Subaru, ultimately resulting in a mutually beneficial arrangement for the supply of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for vehicles.
It is widely speculated that Mazda and Subaru are likely to show interest in Panasonic’s latest high-capacity cylindrical batteries, including the anticipated 4680-type variant with dimensions of 46 mm in diameter and 80 mm in height, or similar configurations denoted by the “46xx” category. Notably, Panasonic is set to introduce the first batch of 4680-type batteries between April and September of 2024, alongside its existing offerings of prismatic and smaller battery units like the 1865 and 2170 models. As the collaboration emphasizes the cylindrical form factor, it is evident that Panasonic’s prismatic cells are not being considered for this particular arrangement.
Considering the probable scenario, Panasonic may initially manufacture 4680-style batteries for Mazda and Subaru in Japan, aligning with potential production plans for these cutting-edge batteries. In parallel, should Panasonic undertake the production of 4680-type batteries for Tesla in the United States, there exists the likelihood for Mazda and Subaru to also opt for these batteries to qualify for relevant incentives or benefits associated with environmental initiatives.
