Zoox relies on Panasonic battery cells for its electric robotaxis
Under a multi-year agreement, Panasonic Energy will begin supplying its “advanced” 2170 battery cells from early 2026 to support Zoox’s expanding autonomous robotaxi service. While details on volume, duration, and financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, Zoox recently opened its first production facility for the serial manufacturing of its robotaxis in Hayward, California, this summer — and plans to scale up significantly in the medium term.
Panasonic Energy’s 2170 cells (21 mm in diameter and 70 mm in length) are already deployed in well-known electric vehicles, most notably those produced by Tesla. However, given Panasonic’s statement that it will supply the “latest 2170 batteries” to Zoox, these are likely the newly announced next-generation cells. Earlier this year, Panasonic described these cells as“using advanced materials that will increase cell capacity by around five per cent.” As early as 2023, the company ordered silicon anodes from manufacturer Nexeon for this purpose. In early 2024, Panasonic’s CEO also reaffirmed plans to enhance the 2170 cells. Currently, Panasonic’s lithium-ion cells achieve a volumetric energy density of 800 Wh/L.
Deliveries to Zoox are scheduled to commence early next year, with Panasonic initially shipping cells from Japan. “In the near future,” however, these will be sourced from the new Panasonic plant in Kansas, USA.
Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy, said, “Zoox is truly unique. This represents a pivotal step for Panasonic Energy with the opportunity to contribute towards the next generation of mobility innovation. Zoox is reshaping urban transportation and Panasonic Energy is helping power these robotaxis for a safer, more sustainable, and connected future.”
Bruce Baumgartner, Vice President of Supply Chain, Quality, and Reliability at Zoox, described this as an ” exceptionally exciting time for Zoox,” adding, “we are pleased to have Panasonic Energy as a new partner in our journey to redefine urban mobility.” Their shared commitment to innovation and quality aligns with Zoox’s mission to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable way to navigate cities.
Zoox has been operating a regular service in select US cities since this year: following the launch of its autonomous electric shuttles in Las Vegas in September, Zoox is now expanding its robotaxi service to San Francisco, California, as reported.
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
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