Report: Tesla forms 'skunkworks' to develop next-gen battery tech

The company is said to be relying too heavily on Panasonic for battery production.

Tesla has reportedly formed a battery cell "skunkworks" that aims to reduce the company's reliance on Panasonic.

Previous reports have alleged that Panasonic's battery production line has been a bottleneck that constrains overall vehicle output, one of several factors that have put the company behind schedule in its quest to build 500,000 vehicles annually.

Multiple sources now tell CNBC that Tesla is ramping up internal development of battery cells, assigning employees to explore new battery technologies and production methods that would be necessary to manufacture cells in large quantities.

Tesla's vehicles are currently powered by two different types of off-the-shelf cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells. Using common cells has allowed the company to benefit from a steady decline in per-kWh battery costs.

Signalling a shift beyond traditional lithium-ion battery technology, the company earlier this year acquired supercapacitor maker Maxwell Technologies. Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2011 predicted that supercapacitors would be the most likely 'breakthrough' in energy storage for electric vehicles.

Tesla could divulge more details of its latest strategy at a battery and powertrain event later this year.