Comparative Benchmarking of a Next-Generation Automotive 4695 Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Cell Against Tesla’s 4680

Growing demand for high-energy lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles has accelerated the adoption of large-format 46xx cylindrical cells as a route to higher energy density and improved pack-level efficiency. Tesla’s 4680 cell established an early benchmark. Since then, the 46xx landscape has expanded, with developments reported by manufacturers such as EVE Energy, BAK Battery, Gotion, Lishen and Panasonic. However, independent like-for-like datasets on cell performance, design and materials remain limited. Here, we examine a recently introduced state-of-the-art 4695 cylindrical lithium-ion cell using cell-level electrical characterization, thermal analysis and teardown. The results are compared with previously published data on Tesla’s 4680 cell. The 4695 cell exhibits an advanced internal design with complex current-collector disks and a mandrel-free jelly roll composed of double-sided, uniformly coated electrodes separated by two separator layers. Post-mortem analysis indicates a nickel-rich NCMA cathode and a graphite anode containing ∼3 wt.% silicon. Compared with the 4680 reference cell, the 4695 cell shows approximately 50% lower direct-current resistance and achieves 744 Wh L −1 and 276 Wh kg −1 , corresponding to energy densities about 15% higher. GC-MS indicates EC, EMC and DMC as the main electrolyte solvents, while additional detected compounds suggest EP, FEC and PC.