| | | In the 1970s initial batteries were referred to a NiCd or Nicad or Nickel-cadmium and they were made by Matsushita and distributed by MECA, or Matsushita Electric Corporation of America. The Japanese parent later changed its name to the better-known Panasonic.
Improved batteries had better chemistry using Nickel Metal Hydride.
Tesla used Panasonic as a main provider of batteries, until one or another South Korean supplier, CTL built increased batteries.
Now, for new plants in Freemont, Austin, Berlin, Mexico and in Shanghai Tesla uses more and more locally-produced content.
Some other metals have been tested, including Sodium, especially in China. But they don't last as long. There are pluses and minuses of some of the other metals.
So, Nickel was one of the early metals used, and there are locations around the world that are sources for the lithium-ion and for the auto, Semi, truck demand.
The current administration has made more benefits available if a car or truck is built in the USA and built with Union labor. |
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