CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer based in China, has introduced a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) battery capable of charging in just five minutes and providing a range of 520 km (323 miles).
On March 21, according to The Verge and other major news outlets, CATL showcased its cutting-edge second-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery for EVs at its Tech Day event in Shanghai. This new battery boasts an impressive charging speed of up to 1.3 megawatts (MW) and can charge from 5% to 80% in a mere 15 minutes, even in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).
In addition to Shenxing, CATL also revealed its new sodium-ion battery called Naxtra. The company plans to launch versions for electric passenger vehicles in December and for electric trucks in June. This innovative battery maintains stable performance in extreme temperatures, offering a range of 200 km (124 miles) for hybrid vehicles and 500 km (311 miles) for EVs. Experts note that it’s more cost-effective and safer than lithium-based alternatives, with the ability to withstand over 10,000 charge cycles.
CATL also introduced its Freevoy Dual-Power technology, a system that houses two batteries in one pack. This setup can intelligently adapt energy use based on driving conditions and user behavior. One version of this technology combines the second-generation Shenxing with an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) self-forming anode battery.
CATL claims that the combination of NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) batteries and NCM self-forming anode batteries can provide over 180 kWh of capacity in a sedan with a 3m wheelbase, potentially enabling a pure electric driving range of more than 1,500 km (932 miles). This design, which pairs fast-charging cells with a separate auxiliary pack, draws parallels to the dual-engine concept in aircraft.
CATL CEO Robin Zeng summed up the company’s ambition, stating that CATL aims to replace half of the LFP battery market with sodium-ion batteries.
