Tesla appoints new chief and suspends layoffs as it works to cut costs

Tesla recently appointed a new head, Bonne Eggleston, for its 4680 battery department. Eggleston announced a suspension of layoffs at a full-staff meeting, but stressed that the goal of reducing costs must be achieved by the end of the year. Tesla hopes that the cost of producing its own 4680 batteries will be lower than the price of purchasing from suppliers such as Panasonic and LG Energy Solution. Eggleston previously served as senior director of 4680 batteries, responsible for battery manufacturing engineering. Now, he will report directly to Musk and oversee the battery materials department. Although the 4680 battery department has laid off more than 20% of its employees, the department is still valued.