Super EV battery launched, delivers 400 km of driving range with 10-minute charge

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a leading electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, launched yesterday (Aug 16) Shenxing, the world's first 4C superfast charging LFP battery. The battery is capable of delivering 400 km of driving range with a 10-minute charge as well as a range of over 700 km on a single full charge.

Shenxing LFP battery is capable of delivering 400 km of driving range with a 10-minute charge.

Material and electrochemistry innovation

According to CATL, the company achieved 4C superfast charging through innovation in material and electrochemistry.

Accelerating extraction of lithium ions: 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.

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. Intercalation channels are increased and the intercalation distance for lithium ions is shortened, 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, the company 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.

Shenxing achieves advancement of battery technology and improvement of overall performance of EV batteries.

System structure development and intelligent algorithms

In addition to superfast charging, Shenxing also facilitates long driving range, fast charging over a wide range of temperatures and a high level of safety through system structure development and leveraging intelligent algorithms.

Delivering a range of over 700 km: CATL has developed a trailblazing all-in-one grouping technology on top of the integration of the internal crossbeam and end plates featured in its CTP 3.0 technology. The results are high integration and high grouping efficiency, which enable Shenxing to reach a range of over 700 km.

Charging as normal at low temperatures: At room temperature, Shenxing can charge to 80% SOC in 10 minutes. 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 30 minutes in temperature as low as -10°C and a 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 battery.

Dr. Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL, at the launch of Shenxing superfast charging battery.

Mass production by the end of 2023

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, advanced technology should be made accessible for all so that everyone can savor the fruits of innovation, he remarked.

CATL has managed to rapidly transfer technology from lab to market. 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. As such, electric vehicles equipped with Shenxing will be available on the market in the first quarter of next year.