Electric Vehicles

I am by no means an Elon fanboy and so I'm really not going to go on a ledge to argue for his companies, so I asked Bard to. The initial reply was heavily pro 4680, so I asked more negatively:

It's not entirely accurate to say that 2170 batteries are simply "better" than 4680 batteries for cars. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the "better" choice depends on the specific needs and priorities of the manufacturer and the vehicle. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:

2170 Batteries:

Pros:

• Mature technology: With longer years of research and development, 2170 batteries offer proven stability, reliability, and performance.
• Lower production cost: Established manufacturing processes and supply chains for 2170 cells make them less expensive to produce than the newer 4680 batteries.
• Wider compatibility: Smaller size makes them compatible with a wider range of existing battery pack designs and vehicle platforms.
• Faster charging: In some cases, 2170 batteries can achieve faster charging rates than 4680 cells, especially when considering limitations in current charging infrastructure.

Cons:

• Lower energy density: Compared to 4680 cells, 2170 batteries store less energy per unit volume, leading to shorter range and requiring more cells to achieve the same pack capacity.
• More complex manufacturing: Smaller size requires more cells and connections, resulting in a more complex battery pack design and assembly process.
• Limited scalability: Due to their lower energy density, it can be challenging to significantly increase range using 2170 batteries without increasing pack size or weight.

4680 Batteries:

Pros:

• Higher energy density: As mentioned, 4680 cells store more energy per unit volume, potentially leading to longer range and requiring fewer cells for the same pack capacity.
• Simpler manufacturing: Larger size and tabless design simplify battery pack assembly and potentially reduce production costs in the long run.
• Potential for faster charging: Tesla claims improved charging rates for 4680 cells in the future, although current production versions might not yet demonstrate this advantage.
• Scalability: Higher energy density allows for significant range increases without substantial increases in pack size or weight.

Cons:

• Early stage technology: Compared to 2170, 4680 batteries are still relatively new and lack the same level of data on long-term performance and reliability.
• Higher production cost: Currently, 4680 batteries are more expensive to produce due to the new manufacturing processes and limited supply chains.
• Compatibility limitations: Large size might limit their compatibility with existing vehicle platforms and require adaptations in battery pack design.

Conclusion:

The choice between 2170 and 4680 batteries depends on various factors. 2170 offer proven technology, affordability, and faster charging in some cases, but face limitations in range and scalability. 4680 batteries boast higher energy density, simpler manufacturing, and potential for future improvements, but currently lack data on long-term performance and face higher production costs and compatibility challenges.

Ultimately, the "better" option depends on the manufacturer's priorities and the specific needs of the vehicle. Different companies might make different choices based on their goals and resources.