With the advancement of battery technology and the significant improvement of overall electric vehicle (EV) battery performance, the industry has made great strides in achieving long driving ranges for EVs. However, the fast-charging anxiety is still a major factor that stops consumers from shifting to EVs.
Focusing on the very nature of electrochemistry, CATL continues its innovation in material and electrochemistry and system structure, achieving superfast charging, high energy density, and a high level of safety at the same time in a creative manner.
The Chinese battery manufacturer has now launched Shenxing, what it calls the world’s first 4C superfast charging LFP battery, at its 2023 product launch event.
The company says the new fast-charging battery can deliver 400 km (248 miles) of driving range with a 10-minute charge and a range of over 700 km (435 miles) on a single full charge. The battery is expected to considerably alleviate fast charging anxiety for EV users and opens up an era of EV superfast charging.
CATL claims it is the world’s first LFP battery to support 4C charging. For this, Shenxing leverages the super-electronic network cathode technology and fully nano-crystallized LFP cathode material to create a super-electronic network. This facilitates the extraction of lithium ions and the rapid response to charging signals.
“Fast ion ring” technology is used to modify the properties of graphite surface, which increases intercalation channels and shortens the intercalation distance for lithium ions, creating an expressway for current conduction. In addition, a new superconducting electrolyte formula effectively reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte, resulting in improved conductivity.
In addition to achieving 4C superfast charging, Shenxing also achieves a long driving range, fast charging over a wide range of temperatures, and a high level of safety through structure innovation and leveraging intelligent algorithms.
The company says the battery can charge from 0-80% in 10 minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, CATL leverages cell temperature control technology on system platforms to ensure that cells heat up to the optimal operating temperature range rapidly. This allows a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes in temperatures as low as -10°C and uncompromised 0-100 kph acceleration performance at low temperatures.
Mass production is expected by the end of 2023, with new electric vehicles equipped with Shenxing will be available on the market in the first quarter of next year.
