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Anode-free technology could boost EV battery capacity

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Potential 90-mile increase in range of Tesla Model Y

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Panasonic ( PCRFF ) also aims to reduce the amount of nickel

required

By Norihiko Shirouzu

Sept 18 (Reuters) - Panasonic ( PCRFF ) aims to develop a

new type of higher-capacity battery in about two years,

potentially extending the driving range of electric vehicles in

a groundbreaking advance for the Tesla supplier.

The Japanese company is working on eliminating the anode in

batteries during the manufacturing stage to increase energy

density through technology it says is likely to provide a

"world-leading level" of capacity by the end of 2027.

If achieved, the improvement could increase the driving

range of Tesla's most affordable sport-utility vehicle, the

Model Y, by almost 90 miles (about 145km), at current battery

pack size, Panasonic ( PCRFF ) says.

Alternatively, Panasonic ( PCRFF ) could also use the technology to

make lighter - and potentially cheaper - versions of batteries

by keeping the current driving range and shrinking the battery

pack size.

A company executive told reporters of the anode-free

technology ahead of a presentation on Thursday by Shoichiro

Watanabe, the technology chief at the group's battery arm,

Panasonic Energy.

This technology is also being pursued by multiple global

battery producers.

Panasonic's ( PCRFF ) proposed design has no anode at the

manufacturing stage. Instead, a lithium metal anode is formed in

the battery after being charged for the first time. This would

free up room for more active cathode materials - nickel, cobalt

and aluminium - to boost capacity without changing the volume.

Panasonic ( PCRFF ) said it also aims to reduce the proportion of

nickel, which is relatively more expensive.

It was not clear whether the technology would help Tesla to

lower prices and Panasonic ( PCRFF ) declined to discuss specifics on

manufacturing costs.

Reuters reported this month that Tesla's U.S. market share

dropped to its lowest in almost eight years in August as buyers

chose electric vehicles from a growing stable of rivals over the

ageing line-up offered by Elon Musk's company.