In the electric car market, the battery is obviously a crucial element, for buyers… as well as for manufacturers. If some choose NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries, because of their high energy density, others, like Tesla, have also chosen to turn to LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology on certain models. A less expensive technology, but which in return offers a lower energy density, even though the latter has shown real progress in recent times.
New LFP cells at Tesla, by EVE Energy
At the German giant BMW, almost 2 years ago, we formalized a partnership with the Chinese group EVE Energy, concerning 4695 cylindrical batteries, intended to equip the “Neue Klass” electric sedans. According to various Chinese media, this same EVE Energy recently signed a new agreement with “an American customer“, allowing the latter to benefit from new LFP cells from 2026.
For a long time now, the American giant Tesla has chosen cylindrical cells for its electric vehicles. First supplied by Panasonic, these are now developed by various partners, including the Chinese EVE Energy. The latter should also soon install a factory in Europe, with a $1.4 billion project to set up near Debrecen, in Hungary.
The agreement provides that EVE Energy will supply Tesla with new batteries from 2026, from a Malaysian factory. For the American giant, it is obviously a question of working to increase its energy storage capacity, but also to diversify its supply network. Today, Tesla sources its supplies from various suppliers, including CATL, LG and BYD. Enough to allow Tesla to increase its production, while maintaining competitive prices for its future models.
Remember that Tesla produced a total of 1,773,443 vehicles in 2024, and delivered 1,789,226. This corresponds to a slight drop compared to 2023 sales. A first for the American manufacturer.
