Overview

• Panasonic outlined an anode-free lithium‑metal cell it aims to develop by the end of 2027, previewed ahead of a talk by Panasonic Energy technology chief Shoichiro Watanabe.
• The cell removes the anode at manufacturing so a lithium metal anode forms after the first charge, creating space for more active cathode material without increasing volume.
• The company estimates a roughly 25% energy‑density increase that could add about 90 miles (≈145 km) of range to a Tesla Model Y at current pack size.
• Panasonic says the same approach could shrink packs to cut weight while maintaining range, and it plans to lower reliance on relatively expensive nickel.
• The supplier did not disclose manufacturing costs or a commercialization timeline, and reporters note other battery makers are pursuing similar anode‑free or lithium‑metal designs.