Battery technology has come a long way. Who would have thought the lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) could deliver 1,000km of range.
CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer from China, made it a reality in 2024 with its new Shenxing PLUS LFP battery that can achieve an astounding 1,000km-plus range.
The battery was revealed at Auto China 2024 in Beijing.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs, LFP batteries are more environment-friendly, and are known for their high thermal stability and reduced risk of thermal runaway. They are also cheaper to make than lithium-ion batteries.
The groundbreaking advancement in LFP battery technology also features superfast charging capabilities.
This new battery marks a significant leap from the original Shenxing battery introduced in August 2023, which offered a 700km range.
Chief technology officer Gao Huan said Shenxing PLUS achieves this exceptional range through innovative technologies, including a granular gradation technique for cathode material placement, ensuring ultra-high compact density, and the introduction of a 3D honeycomb-shaped anode material.
These innovations help maintain volume stability during charge and discharge cycles and elevate the energy density to unprecedented levels.
The battery’s design also incorporates a unique single-piece casing that maximizes internal space usage, allowing the energy density to exceed 200 Wh/kg for the first time in the industry, reaching 205 Wh/kg.
Beyond its range, the Shenxing PLUS battery boasts superior charging speeds, providing 600km of range with just 10 minutes of charging.
This is made possible through advanced materials like fast lithium-ion conductive coatings, transition metal elements, and new nanometer encapsulation techniques that enhance energy transmission efficiency.
Additionally, CATL has improved the battery system’s thermal management by expanding the overcurrent area and capacity of the terminals, which helps dissipate heat rapidly during high-current charging sessions.
To support this advanced battery technology, CATL is also developing the Shenxing Superfast Charging Network, aiming to establish the largest superfast charging service platform in China.
This network is being built in collaboration with industry leaders such as Star Charge, YKC, and Shudao New Energy.
CATL is also launching the industry’s first superfast charging vehicle owners club.
This club will operate across more than 600 service outlets in 271 cities in China, offering services such as roadside assistance, battery inspection, and maintenance.
This initiative is part of CATL’s broader strategy to create a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing superfast charging batteries, a robust charging network, and enhanced customer services.
