Panasonic intends to develop electric vehicle batteries by 2027 whose anodes form themselves from lithium metal during their first charge. By eliminating the anode during the manufacturing stage, there is more space in the housing for the active cathode materials nickel, cobalt, and aluminum. According to Panasonic, this results in an energy density that is approximately 25 percent higher than the current state of the art.
Increasing range or reducing weight
For a Tesla Model Y, this would correspond to an increase in range of around 145 kilometers with the same installation space. Alternatively, the battery pack could be made lighter and smaller in order to reduce costs and material consumption and increase efficiency. Regardless of this, another advantage is the reduction in the amount of cost-intensive nickel required.
Production is still a challenge
However, Panasonic has left open the question of how the technology can be implemented economically in production. Costs, scaling, and reliability have not been conclusively clarified. It is also uncertain whether Panasonic will succeed in the market with its approach. Other manufacturers are currently working on similar concepts.
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/panasonic-aims-develop-groundbreaking-ev-battery-about-two-years-2025-09-18/
https://www.electrive.com/2025/09/19/panasonic-plans-anode-free-ev-battery-by-2027/
