Asia Tech Wire (Sep 9) -- The energy unit of Japan's Panasonic Holdings Corp. announced Monday that it has completed preparations for mass production of its 4680 EV battery.

Panasonic Energy is looking to begin supplying the battery to automakers.

A remodeled Panasonic Energy plant in Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan will be the main factory for producing 4680 batteries.

By March 2025, the Wakayama plant is due to have about 400 employees involved in the development and production of next-generation batteries.

The Tesla supplier said the 4680 battery has five times the capacity of its 2170-type cylindrical battery.

A Panasonic spokesperson said the company has already sent samples of the 4680 battery to some of its customers and intends to start production after receiving their approvals.