CATL has unveiled its latest innovation, the Shenxing Plus LFP battery, at Auto China in Beijing, designed to provide electric vehicles (EVs) with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres. This new battery, built with durable lithium iron phosphate cells, is also touted for its quick charging capabilities.
The original Shenxing battery was introduced by CATL just last August with a projected range of 700 kilometres. However, the company has now achieved a significant breakthrough, with the Shenxing Plus offering a range of over 1,000 kilometres. CATL attributes this advancement to continuous technological progress.
Gao Huan, Chief Technology Officer of CATL’s electric car division, emphasized the significance of the Shenxing Plus, stating, “It is the world’s first LFP battery that achieves a range above 1,000 kilometres with 4C superfast charging.” He added that the battery enables not only longer travel on a single charge but also the ability to commute for a month without recharging.
CATL’s press statement highlights the potential impact of the Shenxing Plus on the EV market, stating that vehicles equipped with this battery can extend the reach of electric cars to interstate and longer-distance travel, effectively addressing the issue of “range anxiety.”
The Shenxing Plus boasts impressive charging speeds, capable of recharging one kilometre of charge per second, translating to enough energy for a 600-kilometre range in just ten minutes. This represents a notable improvement from 2023, where the rate stood at 400 kilometres in ten minutes.
This enhanced charging capability is attributed to the battery’s high charging rate, which is achieved by optimizing the energy content of the battery relative to the maximum charging power. For example, an 80 kWh battery pack could be charged with up to 320 kW.
CATL also highlights the Shenxing Plus’s energy density of 205 Wh/kg at the system level, achieved through the optimization of the battery pack’s topological structure using module-free CTP 3.0 technology. This technology enhances packing efficiency by 7%.
In order to leverage the fast-charging capabilities of the Shenxing Plus, CATL plans to launch the Shenxing superfast charging vehicle owners club. This service will be available at over 600 service outlets across China, offering roadside rescue, battery inspection, maintenance, and other services.
The existing Shenxing battery, enabling a 700-kilometre range, is already being used in four series-production vehicles and is expected to be utilized in over 50 models by the end of the year. Brands such as Avatr, Neta, Chery, and BAIC BJEV have already announced their use of the Shenxing battery.CATL has also confirmed plans to produce the Shenxing battery in Europe, with production set to begin in China by the end of 2023.
