According to Sawyer Merritt, Panasonic is developing an anode-free battery manufacturing process that could increase battery energy density by 25% by the end of 2027, directly impacting electric vehicle range and efficiency. This breakthrough allows for more active cathode material—nickel, cobalt, and aluminium—by forming a lithium metal anode after the first charge, thereby potentially extending the driving range of Tesla Model Y by up to 90 miles (145 km) at current pack sizes. The technology also opens avenues for lighter, more cost-effective battery packs without sacrificing range, offering significant business opportunities for AI-powered battery management systems and smart energy optimization in EVs. Panasonic also aims to lower the proportion of expensive nickel, which may further reduce costs and improve sustainability. These advancements create new possibilities for AI-driven predictive maintenance, battery health monitoring, and next-generation EV analytics platforms, all supported by verified developments from Panasonic (source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, Oct 24, 2025).