The first 4680 cell battery is said to be ready. Looks like ... a Model S Plaid battery ?!

A photo has appeared on the Reddit forum showing the moment of signing the battery allegedly based on 4680 cells. The information is strange because the packaging looks almost the same as the one used in the Tesla Model S Plaid. But why would someone working for Tesla spread false information?

Serial 4680 cell battery

The photo shows the moment of signing the body, the last technical approval for production. The faces were cut off, the action allegedly took place "a few days ago" in Fremont (California, USA). Interestingly, the batteries for the American Tesla are manufactured in Giga Nevada (USA), and 4680 cells are produced on experimental lines on Kato Road, near the Fremont plant.

The body of the package is not the same as the one we were shown during Tesla Battery Day 2020. This applies to both the embossing and the bulge at the end:

4680 cell design battery unveiled at Tesla Battery Day 2020

The battery is practically the same as the Tesla Model S Plaid battery:

Battery, photo of which was shown on Reddit, plus Tesla Model S Plaid chassis

However, the question arises why someone working for Tesla - because the average layman does not have access to such ceremonies - cheats using 4680 cells in the battery? Perhaps the Tesla Model S (2021) battery is really designed in such a way that it can be powered by both 18650 and 4680 cells?

Although the new format should first appear on the Tesla Model Y, leaving Giga Texas and Giga Berlin, such a decision would make sense. Tesla can seamlessly switch from 18650 cells - which Panasonic has a monopoly on supply - to 4680, which is its own solution. However, these are only assumptions. We'll know more in the coming months as new generations of vehicles hit the market, including the Tesla Model X Plaid.

Opening photo: (c) LurkeOnly / Reddit

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