Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL has revealed its latest EV battery product, the Shenxing Superfast charging battery, which claims to be the world’s first 4C superfast charging LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery.
CATL has continued to explore battery materials, electrochemistry, and system structure in an all-around approach to achieve superfast charging, citing fast-charging anxiety as the main factor deterring consumers from switching to electric vehicles.
According to CATL, the Shenxing battery employs super-electronic network cathode technology and totally nano-crystallized LFP cathode material to build a super-electronic network, enabling lithium ion extraction and rapid response to charging signals.
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CATL has created a new superconducting electrolyte composition in order to reduce the viscosity of the electrolyte and hence improve conductivity. The battery’s ultra-thin SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) coating is used to reduce resistance to lithium-ion mobility. According to CATL, higher porosity and a shorter average transmission distance in the separator help lower the transmission resistance of lithium ions.
The new battery is said to be capable of delivering a state of charge (SoC) equivalent to 400 km of driving range in just a 10-minute charge, as well as reaching an 0-80% state of charge in 10 minutes when charging at room temperature and achieving a driving range of over 700 km. Meanwhile, its cell temperature control technology ensures that the batteries quickly heat up to their optimal operating temperature range, allowing for an 0-80% charge in 30 minutes at -10 degrees Celsius ambient temperature. Furthermore, CATL claims “uncompromised 0-100 km/h acceleration performance” at low temperatures.
According to CATL, the Shenxing battery has an upgraded electrolyte and separator for dual protection; a real-time fault testing system aims to protect against potential hazards arising from fast charging by regulating the global temperature within the battery cells using algorithms.
The Shenxing superfast-charging battery is anticipated to go into mass production by the end of this year, and electric vehicles equipped with this battery are anticipated to go on sale in the first quarter of 2024.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com