{"id":6300,"date":"2026-01-30T17:20:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T16:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/non-categorise\/tesla-finally-masters-dry-cathode-for-its-4680-battery\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T10:17:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T09:17:30","slug":"tesla-finally-masters-dry-cathode-for-its-4680-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tesliens.com\/en\/news\/tesla-finally-masters-dry-cathode-for-its-4680-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla finally masters dry cathode for its 4680 battery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I still remember Battery Day 2020, when Elon Musk promised a revolution with 4680 batteries<\/strong> and their dry electrode process. Six years later, I can finally confirm: Tesla has reached a milestone. <\/p>\n\n

In its letter to investors on January 30, 2026, the company announced the effective production of both anodes AND cathodes using a dry process<\/strong>. A technical feat that many considered impossible to industrialize. <\/p>\n\n

Bonne Eggleston<\/strong>, VP in charge of 4680 batteries, confirmed on X: these cells now equip certain production Model Ys<\/strong>. After years of skepticism, Tesla proves its vision was achievable. <\/p>\n\n

But beyond technical performance, this mastery opens major strategic perspectives in a tense geopolitical context.<\/p>\n\n

Six years to master a revolutionary process<\/h2>\n\n

The Battery Day 2020<\/strong> remains etched in my memory as a key moment in Tesla’s history. That day, Elon Musk presented the 4680 format \u2013 46 millimeters in diameter, 80 millimeters in height \u2013 and especially the dry electrode process, a technology supposed to eliminate solvents in manufacturing. <\/p>\n\n

The stated goals were ambitious: 50% cost reduction<\/strong> and a 16% increase in energy density<\/strong>. Figures that made the electric automotive industry dream. <\/p>\n\n

But between 2021 and 2024, doubt set in. Industrial-scale production difficulties accumulated. Industry analysts and experts expressed their skepticism. <\/p>\n\n

For several years, Tesla only managed to produce anodes using a dry process. The cathode, much more complex to process without solvent, resisted all industrialization efforts. <\/p>\n\n

January 2026 marks the turning point. The Q4 2025 letter to investors officially announces: dry cathode<\/strong> production is operational. Bonne Eggleston confirms on social media that these cells are integrated into Model Y battery packs in production. <\/p>\n\n

The crazy gamble of Battery Day finally becomes reality.<\/p>\n

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\"Tesla<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Why the dry electrode process is a game-changer<\/h2>\n\n

Advantages of the dry process over conventional production<\/h3>\n\n

To fully understand the scope of this innovation, we must return to the basics of traditional manufacturing. Conventional batteries require the use of toxic and expensive solvents to apply active materials to the electrodes. <\/p>\n\n

The dry electrode process<\/strong> completely eliminates these solvents. No more need for these energy-intensive drying steps that slow down production and increase costs. The footprint of manufacturing plants is considerably reduced. <\/p>\n\n

The economic impact is direct and measurable:<\/p>\n\n