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CATL's Groundbreaking Innovations in Energy Mobility

On April 22, 2026, CATL hosted a significant event dubbed the Super Technology Day in Beijing. This marked the unveiling of their latest advancements designed to reshape the energy mobility landscape. Among the most exciting products introduced were the third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging battery, the third-generation Qilin battery, and the Qilin Condensed battery, alongside the second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid battery and the Naxtra sodium-ion battery. These innovations aim to cater to diverse mobility needs across various usage scenarios.

Overview of Innovations

During the event, Chief Scientist Wu Kai systematically detailed the strengths, limitations, and future directions of various chemical technologies used in battery production. He noted that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are nearing their theoretical energy density limits, making them better suited for developing technology centered on extremely fast charging to achieve an optimal balance.

NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries continue to lead in global competitiveness due to their high energy density. He emphasized that energy density remains the decisive factor in determining a battery's market position. Interestingly, sodium-ion batteries are emerging with promising potential, particularly in extreme temperature applications and energy storage.

As the industry strives for diversified consumer needs, safety, and societal development, the lithium-ion battery sector must pursue coordinated development across various chemical systems, according to CATL's Chairman and CEO, Robin Zeng.

Key Highlights of Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery

The third-generation Shenxing battery represents a revolutionary leap in fast-charging technology, designed to enhance performance while maintaining battery lifespan. The innovation focuses on managing heat generation and dissipation through three core actions: minimizing heat during operation, boosting thermal propagation capabilities, and implementing precise control.

Remarkably, after 1,000 full charging cycles, the battery retains over 90% of its capacity. The specifications include a charging equivalent of 10C and a maximum charging speed of 15C. Charging from 10% to 35% level takes just one minute, while reaching 80% can be done in approximately 3 minutes and 44 seconds, and 98% in just over 6 minutes. Even in extreme conditions, such as -30°C, charging from 20% to 98% takes around 9 minutes.

Furthermore, by integrating heated battery technology with a fast-charging and battery-swapping network, CATL ensures efficient charging without relying on extensive charging infrastructure, enhancing both rapid charging and battery exchange capabilities.

Advancements with Qilin Battery

The third-generation Qilin battery is optimized for premium electric vehicles, boasting a remarkable energy density of 280 Wh/kg. This configuration allows for an impressive range of up to 1,000 km while supporting fast charging at 10C. The peak power output reaches 3 MW, which is double the output of the previous generation battery used in competitive racing.

The entire battery pack weighs only 625 kg, translating to a significant mass reduction of 255 kg compared to equivalent LFP systems. This weight saving contributes to an over 6% decrease in energy consumption per 100 km, equating to savings of around 0.78 kWh per 100 km. The potential impact for a fleet of one million vehicles driving 20,000 km annually is a staggering reduction of 78,500 tons of CO₂ emissions—a significant stride towards greener mobility.

Innovations in Qilin Condensed Battery

The Qilin Condensed battery is pioneering the integration of aviation-grade technology into personal vehicles, achieving an industry-leading energy density of 350 Wh/kg. This innovation enables a range of up to 1,500 km for sedans and over 1,000 km for larger SUVs while keeping the weight under control. This breakthrough advances battery technology by connecting high-nickel cathodes with low-expansion silicon-carbon anodes, achieving increased energy density and safety.

Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery: The Future of Hybrid Technology

The second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid battery enhances fully electric range to 600 km while standardizing fast charging at 10C. It merges LFP and NCM materials into a super-hybrid structure, achieving an energy density of 230 Wh/kg and allowing over 15% extra range without increasing pack weight.

The Way Forward with Naxtra Sodium-Ion Battery

The Naxtra battery signifies CATL’s transition from laboratory breakthroughs to large-scale production. Overcoming substantial engineering challenges, the Naxtra is set to enter full-scale production by the end of 2026, upholding promising potential in sodium-ion technology.

Integrated Superfast Charging and Battery Swapping Network

Additionally, CATL unveiled an integrated network of superfast charging and battery swapping stations, designed as a cohesive system rather than isolated solutions, comprising home charging, public charging, and battery exchange. By 2026, CATL aims to establish 4,000 integrated battery stations across 190 cities, significantly contributing to a more sustainable energy replenishment ecosystem.

As CATL continues to invest heavily in advanced research and large-scale production, the company is committed to transitioning from point innovations to comprehensive energy solutions for all usage scenarios, thereby enhancing technological advancements applicable to diverse mobility applications.