20% now would be news. 20% in 5 years is "what's taking you so long"? Since 2000, lithium-battery energy density has doubled each decade. There's a limit, but another 100% improvement by 2030 is a projection.[1]
We are now in 2020. From 325 to 425 it's about 30%, not 63%. The past increments are not that relevant for what's being discussed here. Panasonic is aiming for a 20% increase in 5 years, that's from now to 2025. In that graph the projected increase is below that, at about 15%, so, yes, the Panasonic thing is kind of a big deal.
So in five years these batteries will be equivalent to the newer format batteries already in use in the Model 3 as well as offered by competitors today. Those 2170s are a dead end.
Not sure what you’re trying to say or being sarcastic or what. I know the Model 3 used the new 2170 cells instead of the 18650‘s. The article itself mentions the improvements are going into the 2170 cells.
This improvement is for cells made by Panasonic, for Tesla. The thing is, Tesla plans to be manufacturing its own cells by then, and they certainly don't intend to produce less energy-dense batteries than their suppliers. We'll see on Battery & Powertrain Investors day (Sept. 22).
Elon recently invited OEMs to partner with Tesla for battery supplies. I wouldn't be surprised that they keep their in-house cells for Tesla vehicles and stationary storage, and make "their" Panasonic cells available to auto competitors (this way, they secure the global supply chain, set prices for the industry, have the option to bundle other products/services, etc.) "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
Great but more important is how battery prices keep falling. Power density is already high enough that long range versions of the Model 3 can go 400 miles, which, with fast charging available when needed, is enough for the vast majority of auto owners.
The problem is that the battery pack that takes makes the cars too expensive to purchase for most people. But in a few more years falling prices will make ev's similar in sticker prices to comparable ice's. That plus much lower operating costs will cause ev sales to skyrocket.
20% now would be news. 20% in 5 years is "what's taking you so long"? Since 2000, lithium-battery energy density has doubled each decade. There's a limit, but another 100% improvement by 2030 is a projection.[1]
[1] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Projected-Li-ion-battery...