In the latest data released by the China Passenger Car Association, 1 out of every 2 cars sold in China is an electric vehicle, which shows the increasing importance of batteries to China’s automotive industry. While not as flashy as new car models, what powers an electric vehicle is gaining just as much attention.
China’s largest battery maker, CALT, recently unveiled a new electric vehicle battery product called the Shenxing Plus. It’s a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that uses cheaper, more stable materials and can be charged in 10 minutes to drive 600 km using its 4C super-fast charging technology.
The energy density is listed at 205 Wh/kg, which is comparable to many NCM batteries.
Automakers have traditionally used LFP batteries in budget electric vehicles because they are both cheaper and safer. However, they can’t compete with NCM batteries in terms of energy density. This means for longer ranges without excessive battery weight, the more expensive NCM has been the only option despite the perceived safety advantages of LFP.
CATL has applied a self-developed material called the 3D honeycomb to improve the energy density of the anode and control the expansion during charging and discharging the battery. The CTB 3.0 (cell-to-body) technology also contributes to the space utilization by integrating the battery structural shell, increasing the volume efficiency by 7%.
CATL says the new battery will allow vehicles to achieve a range of 1,000 km (under CLTC conditions). The Shenxing Plus battery is a 4C battery, meaning it can charge four times faster.
So, a 10-minute charge can add 600 km of range and every second can add 1 km of range.
The current version of the Shenxing battery on the market can only add 400 km in 10 minutes, so the Plus version is a significant improvement.
Also, new features like a high-efficiency cooling high-voltage package and AI-powered battery management system algorithms improve the battery’s safety for user.
Currently, CATL has the world’s only three Lighthouse factories in the lithium battery industry. The company’s technology allows it to produce a battery cell in one second.
The Shenxing Plus is a major leap forward for CATL and means it is now leading the way when it comes to LFP batteries. It also puts pressure on EV maker BYD as it tries to find a breakthrough for its second-generation blade battery, which is expected to be around 190 Wh/kg.
Reference: CNC
