CATL launches superfast charging battery for EVs

Chinese company Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) claims it has launched the first-ever “superfast charging” battery – which it says is capable of delivering a range of 400 kilometres (249 miles) when charged for just 10 minutes.

According to the company, Shenxing – a 4C superfast charging LFP battery, – will deliver a range of over 700km on a single full charge.

CATL says that 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. 

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL, said: “The future of the EV battery technology must remain steadfastly anchored at the global technology frontier as well as the economic benefits. As EV consumers shift from pioneering users to ordinary users, we should make advanced technology accessible for all and enable everyone to savour the fruits of innovation.” 

According to Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business, mass production of Shenxing will be achieved by the end of this year, and electric vehicles equipped with Shenxing will be available on the market in the first quarter of next year. 

Other benefits of the technology outlined by the company include:

Improving lithium ion intercalation rate. For graphite innovation, CATL’s latest second-generation 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. Furthermore, a multi-gradient layered electrode design has been developed to strike a perfect balance between fast charging and long range. 

Decreasing resistance of lithium-ion movement. CATL has developed a brand-new superconducting electrolyte formula, which effectively reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte, resulting in improved conductivity. In addition, CATL has improved the ultra-thin SEI film to reduce resistance of lithium-ion movement. Improving transmission rate of lithium ions: In terms of separator, CATL lowered the transmission resistance of lithium ions with high porosity and shortened average transmission distance. 

Improve overall performance in charging speed, range and safety 

In addition to achieving 4C superfast charging, Shenxing also achieves long driving range, fast charging over a wide range of temperatures and a high level of safety through structure innovation and leveraging intelligent algorithms. 

Delivering a range of over 700 km. CATL has developed an all-in-one grouping technology on top of the integration of the internal crossbeam and end plates featured in its CTP 3.0 technology, achieving high integration and high grouping efficiency. It enables Shenxing to reach a range of over 700km, breaking the limits of the performance of LFP chemistry. 

Charging as normal at low temperatures. At room temperature, Shenxing can charge to 80% SOC in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, CATL leverages cell temperature control technology on system platforms to ensure that cells heat up to the optimal operating temperature range rapidly, allowing a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes in temperature as low as -10°C, and uncompromised 0-100 kph acceleration performance at low temperatures. 

Safety first. The upgraded electrolyte and the separator with a highly safe coating are used to provide a dual protection of the Shenxing battery. By regulating the global temperature field inside the cells using intelligent algorithms, CATL has built a real-time fault testing system that can solve the problems brought about by fast refueling, enabling a high level of safety for the Shenxing battery. 

Watch a video of the launch event below:

Main image taken as screenshot from launch event video.