Elon: Nope, Not Jumping To Samsung SDI, Using Panasonic Battery Cells For Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X

7 years ago James Ayre
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Originally published on EV Obsession.

Despite the rumors that have been going around lately, Tesla is not planning to use Samsung SDI batteries in any of its electric vehicles, according to the company’s CEO Elon Musk.

Going by a number of recent tweets made by Musk, it appears that Panasonic will remain the sole supplier of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the Model S, the Model X, and the upcoming Model 3 as well. The recent reports concerning Tesla receiving a large quantity of Samsung SDI batteries apparently relate to a possible use of Samsung’s batteries by Tesla Energy.

“Media outlets noted that Japanese-based The Nikkei had reported a large quantity of Samsung SDI batteries had been delivered to Tesla’s development facility in California fueling speculation that Tesla is evaluating Samsung products for possible use at a later time,” Teslarati writes.

“A confidential source told Bloomberg that Samsung SDI is in talks with Tesla to provide batteries for its electric cars. That source, who asked to remain unidentified, indicated the two companies were likely to agree on a business arrangement, although nothing has been finalized as of yet. The report sent shares of Samsung SDI up more than 8% in trading yesterday.”

Considering the stock price surge, I have to wonder about the motives behind the rumors….

At any rate, those worried about possibly getting a Model 3 featuring third-party batteries — rather than Gigafactory-produced ones — apparently have nothing to worry about.

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James Ayre

James Ayre's background is predominantly in geopolitics and history, but he has an obsessive interest in pretty much everything. After an early life spent in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund, James followed the river Ruhr to Cofbuokheim, where he attended the University of Astnide. And where he also briefly considered entering the coal mining business. He currently writes for a living, on a broad variety of subjects, ranging from science, to politics, to military history, to renewable energy.

James Ayre has 4830 posts and counting. See all posts by James Ayre

9 thoughts on “Elon: Nope, Not Jumping To Samsung SDI, Using Panasonic Battery Cells For Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X”

  • Model Y? 4th Generation?

    “No comment.”

  • Hmmm. We know that batteries for stationary storage have a different load profile than batteries for automotive use. Perhaps Tesla is auditioning a bunch of different batteries to try to get a better chemistry for the stationary storage application.

    • Yes Tesla may be testing Samsung cells to see how good they are.

    • I think Samsung SDI batteries are at or near the top of the pack for stationary storage, so think that’s correct.

      • vensonata .
        June 9, 2016 at 6:13 pm
        Permalink

        Correct, Sumsung will be used in powerwall 2, see the Tweet from Musk confirming that suspicion yesterday. Find it on Bloomberg….

    • vensonata .
      June 9, 2016 at 11:05 pm
      Permalink

      I am now simply conjecturing: Panasonic did not come through with the stationary batteries. Rather embarrassing after that big powerwall announcement. Only a wretched dribble arrived and was assembled. But what could Tesla do? Panasonic is their Model X provider, and they were already pulling their hair out with late suppliers. You can’t publicly scold Panasonic. But now, more than a year has gone by and it is desperately late with the Storage batteries…Samsung is brought in, and to hell with Panasonic’s feelings. Pure conjecture.

  • It did seem odd to me that with Panasonic being a partner with Tesla in the Gigafactory that Tesla would entertain other manufacturers. I wouldn’t think that would set well with Panasonic. I can see where, if Tesla thinks it may be in a bind with the Model 3 that, they may shift some of the supply from the Powerwall to the EVs. It just depends on what part of Tesla’s business that Panasonic was supposed to supply per what ever agreements they have between the two.

  • I thinking option before rumors, sold them, and will now be shorting. Oh the $fun$ you can have with rumors. Notice unidentified.

Comments are closed.