Why the Tesla 4680 Cell Changed Everything The Tesla Model Y lithium-ion cell has been one of the most talked about batteries in the industry since the concept was launched by Tesla in May 2020. At launch, the Model Y cell seemed years away from mass production but, as of today, Tesla is selling vehicles on the mass market, powered by their revolutionary technology. The concept of the Model Y cell is likely to have an enormous bearing on the future of energy storage, in and