In a groundbreaking announcement, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. LTD (CATL), a prominent Chinese battery supplier collaborating with major American automakers including Tesla and Ford, has introduced the revolutionary Shenxing battery. This cutting-edge battery boasts the remarkable capability to charge an electric vehicle to an impressive range of 400 km (248 miles) in just 10 minutes. Set to commence production later this year, the Shenxing cell joins a competitive lineup of similar rapid-charging offerings in the market.
The moniker “Shenxing” translates to “god-like movement,” a term evoking ambition and aspiration. While the nomenclature might appear ambitious, for electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking swift recharging solutions, it could indeed feel like a divine intervention. The realm of electric vehicle ownership has long faced criticism for its relative inconvenience compared to traditional refueling methods. However, the Shenxing battery’s extraordinary capability to add nearly 250 miles of range within a mere ten minutes is poised to narrow the gap between various fueling options.
Gao Han, the Chief Technology Officer of CATL’s E-Car Business, conveyed the company’s vision, stating, “We aspire for Shenxing to evolve into a ubiquitous offering accessible to every electric vehicle through continuous technological enhancements and cost reduction.” While Tesla stands as CATL’s flagship client, the battery giant’s influence extends beyond, with notable partnerships including Ford. Earlier this year, Ford garnered attention by collaborating with CATL to establish a battery production plant in Michigan. This facility is slated to manufacture lithium iron phosphate batteries, leveraging technology licensed from CATL. Intriguingly, the Shenxing battery shares the same battery chemistry, but any potential resemblance to it remains undisclosed.
Notably, the charging speed of the Shenxing battery, while impressive, finds itself in a competitive landscape. Several Tesla models already achieve charging ranges of up to 322 km (200 miles) in as little as 15 minutes. Moreover, reports from Bloomberg highlight that Chinese firm GAC AION has already introduced a battery that adds an astonishing 500 km (310 miles) of range in a 15-minute charging session.
When coupled with Toyota’s earlier claims this year regarding the successful creation of solid-state batteries, the electric vehicle sector appears to be on the brink of a significant leap forward. With CATL’s Shenxing battery pushing the boundaries of fast charging and innovations like solid-state batteries on the horizon, electric vehicle ownership is poised to transform into a more accessible and convenient reality.
