Tesla Motors and Panasonic working together on battery tech

[wtmusic]

"While Tesla Motors still won't say they will be putting Panasonic cells in the Model S battery packs (come on guys, 'fess up!), they have announced they are working with the Japanese mega-corp. In a new press release, the two companies divulged that they will "collaborate to develop next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles." Unlike many other companies with electric vehicles that will be powered by prismatic (flat, rectangular-shaped) cells, Tesla uses the 18650 format found in most laptops and since Panasonic also seems to have this preference, it seems natural for the two to develop a working relationship. The relationship is an open one since Tesla declares itself steadfastly supplier-agnostic and the company formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd also has many other customers."

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/tesla-motors-and-panasonic-working-together-on-battery-tech/

Big news, and just what Tesla needs to lower their price point.

[tinrobot]

1. Sounds great...

I really like the Tesla S, hope they succeed.

[wtmusic]

2. I do too, it's styled like a "poor man's" Aston-Martin. nt

[kristopher]

3. This comes on the heels of Panasonic's announcement of battery packs for home use.

http://www.physorg.com/news180778009.html

Interesting.