Gotion, a Chinese battery manufacturer with Volkswagen as its largest shareholder, has made significant strides in fast-charging battery technology, as well as advancements in energy density, durability, and new factory developments.
The company’s latest battery, named “G-Current,” boasts remarkable charging speeds, capable of reaching 80 percent capacity in under 10 minutes from a zero charge. Within just 5 additional minutes, it achieves a 90 percent charge, akin to the time needed for a quick refueling stop, enabling drivers to travel at least the next 300 to 400 kilometers (200 to 250 miles).
To achieve this rapid charging capability, the battery requires a 400 kW input, which can be provided by stationary energy storage systems. Gotion attributes the battery’s ability to absorb such high power to an improved design, allowing for efficient heat dissipation.
Another notable innovation is the “Stellary” battery, which is particularly rich in nickel and operates without liquid electrolyte, based on cylindrical cells. While it doesn’t charge as rapidly as the G-Current, it can still restore 60 percent of its capacity in just 9 minutes, sufficient for a 350-kilometer (220-mile) drive in 5 minutes or a 600-kilometer (400-mile) drive in 10 minutes.
Additionally, Gotion has introduced the “Gemstone” battery, which boasts an energy density of 350 watt-hours per kilogram and emphasizes robustness. Designed to withstand extreme heat, the Gemstone battery was demonstrated to operate in a room at 200 °C (400 °F), utilizing only solid materials. This enables a weight of just under 300 kilograms to achieve 100 kilowatt-hours, significantly lighter than similar batteries.
While the Gemstone battery is still in the development stage, G-Current and Stellary are already in production. Gotion also has plans to establish energy storage plants in Spain, where further material development is expected to take place.
The entire Volkswagen Group, including car manufacturer Seat, stands to benefit from these advancements, given Volkswagen’s ownership of just over a quarter of Gotion’s shares. This partnership extends to a battery plant in Göttingen, Germany, where cells are currently being produced, highlighting the global impact and collaborative efforts driving the future of electric vehicle technology.
