Skip to content
Electric Vehicles
Global

Tesla Roadster to use custom 4680 cells optimised for power density, enabling 15% to 85% charge in 10 minutes

By Eve

Tesla's vice president of engineering Lars Moravy confirmed the new Roadster will use in house 4680 cylindrical cells with a custom nickel based lithium ion chemistry prioritising power density over longevity. The battery pack, whose capacity remains undisclosed, is designed to deliver and absorb energy rapidly, supporting over 483 km of range and a charging speed of 15% to 85% in 10 minutes. Moravy detailed the technical choices in interviews with Hagerty and Top Gear.

Why it matters

The shift to power optimised cells signals potential demand for ultra high power charging infrastructure capable of sustaining extreme charge rates, a specification that may influence future CPO hardware procurement and grid connection planning. Tesla's in house 4680 production also underscores vertical integration trends that could reshape battery supply chains for performance EV segments.

Source

Original title
[FR] “Tesla Roadster : une batterie 4680 sur mesure promet 15 à 85 % de charge en 10 minutes”
Published
23 October 2026
Updated
24 October 2026

In this story

Related news

Tesla Europe registrations jump 69.9% in nine months as US EV sales fall 30.7%

Tesla registered 188,035 vehicles across Europe in the first nine months of 2025, up 69.9% year on year, with September alone seeing a 78.6% rise to 45,866 units, according to ACEA data. The surge contrasts sharply with a 30.7% drop in US EV sales over the same period, though BYD outpaced Tesla in Europe with 206,022 registrations, up 154.4%. EVs accounted for 22.7% of Europe's 8.5 million total registrations in the nine month window, up 5.7% overall.

Why it matters

The European rebound positions the region as a critical growth market for Tesla and signals where charging infrastructure demand may accelerate, even as the US market softens. BYD's faster growth underscores intensifying competition that will shape network planning and OEM partnerships across the continent.

Europe
23 Oct 2026

Tesla · Source

Tesla cancels Cybertruck for Australia and New Zealand, refunds deposits after seven years

Tesla has discontinued plans to produce right hand drive Cybertrucks for Australia and New Zealand, notifying deposit holders by email on Friday. The company is refunding $A150 deposits within 30 days and offering one year of free Full Self Driving Supervised software to customers who purchase a new Model 3 or Model Y. Reservations for Australian customers ended in 2022, though Tesla brought a Cybertruck to Australia in 2024 for promotional tours.

Why it matters

The cancellation signals Tesla's retreat from a segment of the Australian EV market and may redirect fleet and commercial buyers toward competing electric utility vehicles from other manufacturers. The decision follows weak Cybertruck sales in the US and concerns over Australia's vehicle design regulations.

Australia
23 Oct 2026

Tesla · Source

Kia EV6 GT tops Tesla Model Y Performance in German magazine comparison test

The Kia EV6 GT scored 585 points to win a five vehicle comparison test by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, finishing 9 points ahead of the Tesla Model Y Performance (576 points) and ahead of the Zeekr 7GT, Polestar 4 and BYD Sealion 7. The test evaluated vehicles across seven categories including body, safety, comfort, powertrain, driving performance, environmental friendliness and running costs. Kia's 650 horsepower dual motor model led in three categories: safety, powertrain and driving performance, where it scored 96 points against Tesla's 76.

Why it matters

The result signals competitive pressure on Tesla's premium EV positioning in Europe's largest market, while highlighting performance credentials that may influence fleet and workplace charging specifications for high end electric vehicles. The test outcome could affect procurement decisions where driving dynamics and safety ratings weigh alongside charging infrastructure compatibility.

Germany
22 Oct 2026

Kia · Tesla · BYD · Source