Tesla Cathode Production Patent – LFP Cheaper than China

Thanks to a new patent application by Tesla, we now have a better understanding of their cathode production processs. And, according to Drew Baglino, it should allow Tesla to produce any cathode material, and in particular LFP cathode material, cheaper than imported material from China.

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*Timeline*
00:00 Introduction
02:16 Background from Battery Day
03:21 Traditional Cathode Production Process
06:17 Tesla’s Cathode Production // Patent Application Overview
08:04 Tesla’s Cathode Production Process Flow Diagram
14:26 Summary

Intro Music by Dyalla: Homer Said

[NemanjaMikac]

I've seen a dozen LFP CAM factories in China. They already have a similar process implemented in mass production and yes, they do recover heat and waste from the spray dryer and yes they have a CSTR. Some use rotating furnaces, but most use sagger kilns. This is pretty much standard in mass production. But there are several tricks on why this is possible and looks much better and easier than old methods. First is that you forgot to mention that the FePO4 synthesis is the real IP and issue and nobody knows this. Second, there a multiple kilns to get the LFP 4.0 technology (2.6-2.7 g/cm³ press density). Third, it's just super hard to control the process and that is the hardest part. Those are the reasons why practically all commercially viable LFP materials come from China today. But great work in making these videos 👍

[gridcoregilry]

Jordan, I just love how you are able to break all that stuff down so much that someone like me, with no background or education at all in anything physically or chemically (or even working in the private economy sector) can understand

[kevinrice]

I drive Uber & Lyft in a Model Y (62k miles in 9 months so far). Riders ask me, 'like the tesla?'. I say, 'transcendant'. I describe things. If we get into battery tech, I mention your channel - only as 'Limiting Factor' tho, 'cause (frankly) they'd never find it by searching on a probable spelling of your name (lol). Thanks for your work.

[ineumeyer]

I can’t believe this information is free. Thank you Jordan!

[donjones]

Such a thorough analysis and exposition. And I love how you step back at the end and take a fresh look at how much the savings actually will be now that 5 years have passed. Stuff like that sets you apart from simplistic Tesla boosters. All of this gives you much better credibility. Well done!

[FlavaTheRipper]

Nice Sluthing and Deep research. Your one of the greatest assets to the Tesla community.

[justlisten]

Sending lots of appreciation your way Jordan! You have officially become a part of my life. Sorry if that sounds strange, but I get giddy when I see you release a new video. I have a busy life but always set aside time to watch your content. Much love man. Best of luck in 2025. Wishing you and yours well. Enjoy your day.

[MagnumiPad]

I really love your work, it's so detailed and interesting. Your approach will work for just about anything. Keep it goind.

[ineumeyer]

Jordan, this video is amazing. Thank you. 👌🏽

[budgetaudiophilelife-long]

THANKS JORDAN AND YOUR SUPPORTERS FOR THE INFORMATION ℹ️ 🧐🔋🔋🔋

[bobcaruso]

Thank you Jordan. Always educational!

[bradshoe]

Making batteries without a spoon is wild

[johnthomas]

good too be back, missed alot of your content...

[humpi]

Dan Blondal, CEO Nano One, would be a great interview partner!

[briannewman]

The Cathode is the most important component of a Li ion battery followed by the Anode.
Tesla has followed the correct development path in its focus on the Cathode, both from a performance and production perspective.
This can be contrasted with other companies who have focused on making a solid state electrolyte.
The use of flammable electrolytes in current Li ion batteries is a non issue that has been made to appear important by FUD.

[thomasthomas]

You are absolut fantastic! :) Super thank you!

[guavabakka]

Seriously Jordan, amazing content 👏🏾❗

[hillwalker]

guys that figure out how to do these chemical-mechanical processes are far smarter than any theoretical physicist - and infinitely more valuable

[iowatesla]

Well done. Your analysis is sound. For my day job, my company makes wet granulation equipment. The animation you showed is actually from one of our competitors.

[hkmpkpdw]

Reminds me of Matt Ferrell’s SK-on cathode video from yesterday…