I'm less interested in 500 mile range, since I don't expect that before real market competition arrives. It's a couple years off before any volume from competitors comes.
I'm more interested in WEIGHT REDUCTION, which is what MEGACASTS deliver to the MY. Lots of steel replaced with aluminum.
Even with 2170 battery packs, 200lbs weight savings is estimated. With 4680 batteries, Elon claims 10%, or 440lb weight reduction.
Weight buys range, weight buys performance, weight buys handling characteristics.
I think Tesla will solve the 4680 manufacturing issues by Q1 22.
No one really knows when, but there's a TON of pressure to get it done. CT, Semi, and who knows what other products depend on it, and MY cost+mfr process savings depends on it.
Tesla is finishing building not one, but TWO GigaFactories with processes and equipment that depends on it.
Yeah, there's some pressure in the system at Tesla.