Tesla is putting 4680 cells back into the Model Y. The company confirmed in late January 2026 that it has begun producing battery packs using its domestically manufactured cells, reversing a decision made in September 2023 when it pulled the 4680 variant to prioritise Cybertruck production.
Why Now
Tesla framed the return as supply chain strategy. "We have begun to produce battery packs for certain Model Ys with our 4680 cells, unlocking an additional vector of supply to help navigate increasingly complex supply chain challenges caused by trade barriers and tariff risks," the company stated.
The timing is not coincidental. With US trade policy creating uncertainty around imported battery cells, having a domestically produced alternative reduces Tesla's exposure to tariff escalation. The 4680 cells are manufactured in Austin, Texas, with both anode and cathode now produced using dry-electrode processes.
A Different Pack Design
Crucially, these are not the same 4680 Model Y packs that earned a poor reputation in 2022-2023. The original structural battery pack — where cells formed part of the vehicle's chassis — suffered from slow charging (over 40 minutes for 10-80%), limited range, and was essentially unrepairable.
The new approach places 4680 cells in conventional non-structural pack housings, similar to the 2170 cell trays. This means individual cells can potentially be replaced without scrapping the entire pack — a significant improvement for serviceability and total cost of ownership.
The Cybertruck Factor
There is a less flattering reason 4680 cells are available for Model Y: Cybertruck sales collapsed. Deliveries fell from approximately 39,000 units in 2024 to just 20,200 in 2025. With the truck no longer consuming 4680 production capacity at the expected rate, Tesla has cells to spare.
Vertical Integration Progress
Tesla reports meaningful progress on domestic battery manufacturing. Beyond the Austin dry-electrode line, the company expects domestic cathode material production in Texas and LFP battery lines in Nevada to begin operations during 2026. If both come online as planned, Tesla would have three distinct domestic battery chemistries — NCA (2170), NMC (4680), and LFP — reducing dependence on any single supply chain.
What It Means for European Buyers
The immediate impact is US-focused, since the tariff concerns driving this decision apply to American manufacturing. However, the broader signal matters for European Tesla owners: Tesla's battery supply chain is diversifying, and the 4680 technology is maturing rather than being abandoned. Whether 4680 cells eventually appear in Giga Berlin-produced vehicles remains to be seen.