The Nevada-based Tesla factory, which usually produces batteries for the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y SUV, has pieced together four Semi trucks for further testing. It is reported that a Panasonic factory nearby supplied batteries for the test batch.
Interestingly enough, the power elements installed were type 2170 batteries that Tesla introduced three years ago along with its affordable Model 3 sedan. Tesla has worked with Panasonic since then to improve their chemical composition and ended up with around 20% more capacity.
However, the company debuted another cell type last fall – the 4680, which it deemed superior to the 2170 in most respects. The new cells are not in production yet, but Elon Musk said all Tesla cars would eventually switch to the new battery type.
The main advantage of the new tech is that it doubles as a rigid frame of the car, reducing its overall mass. The Semi truck is body-on-frame by design, rather than unitized, so it should not matter too much if it will use the old 2170 batteries instead.
The Tesla Semi will likely hit production when the factory in Texas is complete.