Tesla could use the entire global supply of 18650 model LiOn batteries for its Model S sedans. Every Model S uses over 7,000 of those cells. They estimate production predictions of 21,000 cars this year and 40,000 by 2015.

The Model S uses about 2,000 times as many cells as a normal laptop battery. If Tesla does manage to ramp production up to the 40,000 cars/year that they're planning, that would require the entire current output of 18650 LiOn cells to supply them.

You're wondering is this the end of laptops if they do produce that number? Certainly, things will have to scale up. Panasonic, a Tesla investor and partner, has already started planning increasing capacity by re-opening old lines and starting up new ones.

Lots more batteries needed!

[Green Car Reports, Slashdot]