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CATL, recognized as the leading battery manufacturer globally, has showcased a series of innovative advancements in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, which are poised to create significant interest among EV manufacturers, although the likelihood of these technologies reaching the US market remains uncertain.
The debut of these advancements took place during an event in Shanghai, strategically scheduled ahead of the city’s auto show. Local reports indicate that CATL introduced three groundbreaking announcements aimed at revolutionizing the battery sector.
First on the agenda was the unveiling of an enhanced version of the Shenxing battery, designed to significantly improve range during fast charging. CATL claims that this battery can provide up to 520 kilometers (323 miles) of range after just five minutes of charging, surpassing BYD’s previous assertion of adding 400 km (249 miles) in the same timeframe.
The company’s fast-charging system reportedly reaches a maximum speed of 1.3 megawatts. Impressively, even in low temperatures, specifically at -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), CATL’s Shenxing battery can charge from 5 percent to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes.
Another noteworthy development is the launch of a sodium-ion battery, dubbed Naxtra. Bloomberg reports that these new cells are ready for market application, having undergone rigorous testing in extreme conditions. They are expected to deliver approximately 200 km of range for hybrid vehicles and about 500 km for fully electric vehicles.
Sodium is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to lithium, offering benefits in terms of availability and ergonomic stability. Its acquisition is generally more economical, and it poses fewer safety risks compared to lithium, which has been known to ignite under certain conditions. CATL anticipates that sodium-ion technology could potentially replace a substantial portion of the current lithium iron phosphate battery market.
Additionally, CATL introduced a dual-power battery capable of achieving a remarkable range of 1,500 km (932 miles) on a single charge. This advanced battery system is compared to a dual-engine aircraft, combining a standard fast-charging cell with an auxiliary pack to enhance performance and range.
However, challenges remain for the eventual accessibility of these innovations in the US market, primarily due to geopolitical tensions initiated during President Donald Trump’s administration, which have hampered trade relations with China. CATL supplies batteries for various EVs, including those manufactured by Tesla and Ford. Although there is potential for the company to license its technologies to American automotive brands, escalating friction between the nations may hinder these prospects.
Moreover, China’s recent restrictions on the exportation of rare earth minerals and magnets suggest a trend towards consolidating advancements within its borders as the US adopts more isolationist strategies. Additionally, given that the US Department of Defense has recently classified CATL as a Chinese military company, the complexity of conducting business in the US is likely to increase.
Source
www.theverge.com