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A sign for CATL is prominently displayed outside its research and development facility and headquarters in Ningde, Fujian province, China, as of November 8, 2024.
In a recent announcement, China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Ltd. (CATL), recognized as the leading global supplier of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, unveiled several new products, including a groundbreaking battery that the company claims achieves a “new global record for superfast charging technology.”
According to a post shared on WeChat, CATL’s innovative second-generation Shenxing battery is reported to enable drivers to add 520 km (approximately 323 miles) of range with a mere five minutes of charging. This is a duration that closely resembles the time it takes to refuel traditional gasoline vehicles.
This advancement positions CATL ahead of BYD, a Chinese EV manufacturer and competitor to Tesla, which previously introduced a charging system claimed to add about 400 km of range in roughly the same five-minute timeframe. However, some experts express caution regarding BYD’s assertions, pointing to possible technical challenges and the costs involved. If CATL’s technology proves feasible at scale, it could significantly address consumer anxieties related to the range and convenience of electric vehicles.
With these developments, CATL may maintain a competitive edge over Western manufacturers; for instance, Tesla’s current superchargers can extend an EV’s range by 270 kilometers in about 15 minutes, while Mercedes-Benz recently indicated that one of its batteries could recharge up to 325 kilometers in just 10 minutes.
The Shenxing battery is noteworthy not only for its rapid charging capabilities but also for being the first lithium iron phosphate battery to achieve both an 800 km range and a peak charging rate of 12C, as stated by CATL. The battery also reportedly surpasses the existing highest charging performance levels, particularly in low-temperature scenarios down to -10°C.
On the same day, CATL introduced additional batteries from its “Naxtra” series, claiming them to be “the world’s first mass produced sodium-ion batteries,” which could lessen the EV sector’s dependency on lithium. The company emphasized that sodium-ion batteries would help lower maintenance expenses and perform reliably in extreme temperature ranges between -40°C and +70°C.
Specifically designed for heavy-duty trucks, one of the Naxtra batteries is claimed to provide over eight years of operational life, coupled with reduced lifecycle costs and improved efficiency compared to conventional lead-acid batteries.
In response to the announcements, shares of CATL, which are listed in Shenzhen, saw a slight increase of nearly 1% on the trading day following the reveal.
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