CATL outpaces rivals with breakthrough 5‑minute EV charge
The Chinese company CATL, the world's largest supplier of batteries for electric vehicles, boasts a new revolutionary technology. It promises a range of 520 kilometres after just five minutes of charging the car. This achievement surpasses the recently presented solution by BYD, another Chinese company.
On Monday, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Ltd.) unveiled a set of new technologies, including the second-generation Shenxing battery. According to information published by the company, the new battery is expected to achieve a range of 520 kilometres after just five minutes of charging, which means only a little more time than refueling a gasoline vehicle.
This achievement seems to surpass the capabilities of the technology presented last month by the Chinese giant BYD, a Tesla rival. At that time, BYD showcased a charging system that promised approximately 400 kilometres of range after charging the electric vehicle for 5 minutes.
Some analysts expressed skepticism about BYD's claims, pointing to potential technical hurdles and high costs. However, if this technology proves to be reliable and can be applied on a larger scale, it could help the electric vehicle industry alleviate consumer concerns regarding range and the convenience of using such cars.
Advantage over Western competitors
If the reports are confirmed, it will mean that the Chinese company CATL has outpaced its Western rivals in the category of electric vehicle charging speed. The latest Tesla superchargers can add up to 270 kilometres of range in 15 minutes, while Mercedes-Benz Group recently reported that one of its batteries can provide a range of up to 325 kilometres in 10 minutes.
According to CATL, Shenxing is also the world's first lithium-iron-phosphate battery with an 800-kilometre range, allowing car charging at low temperatures of -10°C to previously unheard-of levels.
On Monday, CATL also unveiled new batteries from the Naxtra series, which the company claims to be the "world's first mass-produced sodium-ion batteries," reducing the electric vehicle industry's dependence on lithium.
The Chinese assert that sodium-ion batteries can help reduce maintenance costs and are capable of operating in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 70°C. One of the Naxtra batteries has been specially designed for trucks. It is expected to offer over eight years of lifespan while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs and increasing efficiency compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Shares of CATL listed on the Shenzen stock exchange rose by about 1 per cent on Tuesday.
