Recent construction on the Tesla Motor's Gigafactory. (Source: Gigaom)
There’s been a lot of battery news and press releases on a wide range of topics lately, including chemistries, acquisitions and good ‘ole Tesla Motors updates. In late October, Tesla released news about its new batter pack offering for its Roadsters and that these batteries come from South Korea-based LG Chem, instead of Panansonic, it’s partner in the Gigafactory.
Many commentators riffed on a possible “controversy” between Panasonic and Tesla Motors, as it headed into 2016. LG Chem sells batteries to a lot of companies, notably GM for its Volt and upcoming Bolt vehicle. The question is why Tesla Motors needs more batteries and, in general, that seems to be a good thing for a stockholders.
Is it due to bigger demand for the Model S vehicles as it tries to backfill 2015 orders to meet the Street’s expectations or maybe ramping up Tesla Energy? After the recent earnings call, it’s the former. Model S deliveries for the 4th quarter will be huge, the company is forecasting 17,000 - 19,000 deliveries for this quarter.
$TSLA guides 17,000 to 19,000 vehicles in Q4, representing 48% to 65% SEQUENTIAL growth. Huge numbers, much higher than expected. stock up
— Daniel Sparks (@danielsparks) November 3, 2015
This LG Chem news allows us to revisit current battery strategies. What about advances in battery chemistry going forward, will Tesla and Nissan lose to new and better battery chemistries in the foreseeable future?>>