Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL has launched what it says is the world’s first “4C superfast” charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which it claims is capable of delivering 700 kilometres on a single charge, and 400 kilometres of driving range with only 10 minutes of charging time.
CATL, the acronym for Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, and its new battery – named Shenxing – is designed to “[open] up an era of EV superfast charging.”
“The future of the EV battery technology must remain steadfastly anchored at the global technology frontier as well as the economic benefits,” said Dr. Wu Kai, chief scientist at CATL, said at the launch event last week.
“As EV consumers shift from pioneering users to ordinary users, we should make advanced technology accessible for all and enable everyone to savor the fruits of innovation.”
Shenxing is the result of CATL’s continued innovation in battery materials, electrochemistry, and system structure to deliver superfast charging, high energy density, and high levels of safety.
“Shenxing leverages the super electronic network cathode technology and fully nano-crystallized LFP cathode material to create a super-electronic network, which facilitates the extraction of lithium ions and the rapid response to charging signals,” the company says.
Innovations in the properties of the battery’s graphite surface and multi-gradient layered electrode design, as well as the design of a new superconducting electrolyte formula which helps reduce resistance of lithium-ion movement.
It features new temperature control technology that allows battery cells to heat up to optimal operating temperature range rapidly, allowing charging up to 80% in 30 minutes in temperatures as low as -10°C.
CATL says it aims to start mass production of its Shenxing battery by the end of 2023, while EVs equipped with Shenxing batteries will be available on the market in the first quarter of 2024.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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