On April 21, CATL introduced two innovative battery technologies during its Supertech Day event, focusing on “supercharging” and “safety.” The second-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, the world’s first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to combine 800 km of range with 12C peak charging capability, and the “Naxin” sodium-ion battery, the first automotive-grade sodium-ion battery to enter mass production, were unveiled.

Gao Huan, CATL’s Chief Technology Officer for passenger and commercial vehicle businesses in China, stated: “The second-generation Shenxing battery can deliver over 520 kilometers of driving range with just five minutes of charging.” This battery achieves a peak charging power exceeding 1.3 megawatts, adding 2.5 km of range per second. It performs efficiently in cold conditions, charging from 5% to 80% in 15 minutes at -10°C, twice as fast as the industry standard. Even at low charge, it maintains 830 kW output, compatible with megawatt-level charging stations. These advancements stem from super-crystalline graphite for faster lithium-ion diffusion and a nano-scale electrolyte production line enhancing fast-charging efficiency.

CATL also debuted the Freevoy dual-core battery architecture, featuring a dual-core design and proprietary “self-forming anode” technology. Available in sodium-iron, iron-iron, and ternary-iron/double-ternary variants, it ensures stable power output. Gao Huan explained: “The design is like a twin-engine aircraft, where two independent energy zones ensure continuous, stable, and safe power output.” The architecture isolates damage or thermal runaway, maintaining performance and prioritizing safety for intelligent driving applications.

The Naxin sodium-ion battery, another highlight, passed rigorous tests including compression, penetration, drilling, and sawing without igniting or exploding. It retains 90% energy at -40°C, offers a cell-level energy density of 175 Wh/kg, and supports over 10,000 charge cycles with 5C fast charging. The battery provides over 500 km of electric range and 200 km in hybrid mode. Gao Huan noted: “The Naxin battery represents a breakthrough in sodium-ion technology for automotive applications.”

Mass production of the Naxin battery begins in June 2025 for a 24V starter battery for heavy-duty trucks, developed with FAW Jiefang. The Naxin power battery for electric vehicles will start production in December 2025, initially for CATL’s “Choco-Swap” battery-swappable platform. These innovations reinforce CATL’s leadership in advancing electric mobility and safety.

by autonews.gasgoo