Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has introduced its second-generation Shenxing battery, which promises to revolutionize EV charging times. According to CATL, this updated battery can add 520 kilometers (approximately 323 miles) of range in just five minutes of charging. This advancement places CATL at the forefront of the global competition to develop EV batteries that charge as quickly as refueling a gasoline-powered car.
The global automotive industry is increasingly focusing on ultra-fast charging as a solution to consumer concerns about long charging times and limited range. Competitors such as BYD and Tesla have also made strides in this area, with BYD’s system adding 400 kilometers (250 miles) of range in five minutes and Tesla’s most advanced chargers providing around 320 kilometers (200 miles) of range in 15 minutes.
CATL’s new battery also excels in cold weather conditions, charging from 5% to 80% in 15 minutes at temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, the company showcased a sodium-ion battery called Naxtra, which offers improved stability compared to traditional lithium-based batteries. These innovations were displayed during CATL’s ‘Tech Day’ event.
— new from Business Insider