SAIC-GM, in partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), has introduced an electric vehicle battery that is touted as the fastest-charging in the market.
The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which boasts a 6C charging rate, is set to be integrated into General Motors’ advanced Ultium platform featuring 900-volt technology starting next year.
The battery’s 6C rate signifies that it can charge six times faster than standard 1C batteries, allowing an 80 kWh battery to be charged at up to 480 kW, significantly reducing charging time.
For context, current electric vehicles like the Li Mega from Li Auto and Zeekr 001, which use CATL’s 5C batteries, are already capable of quick recharges, but the new 6C battery marks a step further in efficiency.
Reports suggest that the 6C battery will be able to add over 200 kilometers of range in just five minutes of charging. “The 6C battery will use a number of fast-charging technologies in the battery field to improve the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, enhance charging efficiency, and guarantee stable battery performance,” stated CATL. Additionally, the battery is expected to incorporate a new electrolyte formulation aimed at boosting performance.
The announcement comes amid speculation that both CATL and BYD have been working on their own 6C battery technologies. CATL’s 6C variant of its Qilin battery is expected to be unveiled later this year.
Source: cnevpost.com
