The Battery Battle: CATL vs. Tesla's 4680 Cell
The electric vehicle (EV) industry is currently witnessing a fierce competition between two of its key players: Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world's largest battery maker, and Tesla, the electric vehicle pioneer led by the visionary Elon Musk. At the heart of this rivalry lies a technological showdown over battery cell technology, specifically CATL's LFP batteries and Tesla's ambitious 4680 cylindrical cells. CATL's Dominance and LFP Batteries CATL has solidified its position as the global leader in battery production, supplying cells to a wide range of automakers, including Tesla itself (for its Chinese-made vehicles). The company's focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has garnered significant attention. LFP batteries are known for their safety, long lifespan, and lower cost. While they may not offer the same energy density as other chemistries, they excel in terms of thermal stability and cycle life. Tesla's 4680 Cell: A Bold Gamble In a…