Tesla Motors already uses more 18650’s than any other company.
I found this interesting video clip on the Tesla Motors website:
It’s Elon Musk talking about the expected ramp-up of battery
purchasing/manufacturing to meet their future production numbers. The
number of batteries they will require are “Mind Blowing”.(gargantuan
battery factory)
In another clip, that I can’t locate, he states little or no concern
about the world supply of Lithium, as he puts it “The amount of pure
Lithium needed in each battery is like the salt/pepper on a salad.”
The Tesla model S uses Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide battery.
http://largebattery2012.blog.terra.com/tag/lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum-oxide-battery/
Anyone used one of these in a light?
However, when you think about it, every Tesla Model-S 85kw battery
pack contains 7000, liquid cooled/heated 18650 Panasonic’s. Plus a
liquid cooled Inverter/Driver that pumps out 3000 amp pulses, as you
silently dust off a Vet or most other new super cars. (What’s all
that noise behind me?). Wow, think how many Led’s that combination could drive.
But, how can you recharge all 7000, 18650’s?
Well, plug 220v into 1 or 2 trunk chargers
overnight, or you can visit a Supercharger station and get a FREE for
life, 60KW DC charge for about 30 minutes.
If you need a faster method, they show a video of a
soon to be offered battery pack swap, in less time than it takes to
do a regular gas tank fill-up.
If you get the chance, visit a Tesla store in your local shopping
mall. This company is about to change “Everything” I thought I knew about cars, for
the better. Don’t worry, you wont be hounded by a slick haired, gold
chained salesman, they are NOT required anymore.
If Tesla succeeds, as I hope they will, the 18650 will be around for
a long time.