TECH

CATL’s New Battery Tech Takes Aim at Issues Hindering EV Uptake

Published: Apr. 24, 2025 7:26 p.m. GMT+8

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CATL launches a new sodium-ion battery line at its headquarters in Ningde, Fujian province on April 21. Photo: Screenshot from CN. Technology Presentation Conference

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) said its new electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies increase a car’s range, lower charging times and keep working at extremely low temperatures.

The improvements that CATL touted in its announcement Monday aim to alleviate some of the major issues seen as hindering the uptake of EVs, such as “range anxiety” — the concern that a car’s battery might run out on longer drives.

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CATL announced the Freevoy dual-power battery system, offering over 1,500 km range, rapid charging, built-in redundancy, and operation in extreme cold using multiple battery chemistries.
New Naxtra sodium-ion batteries, the world's first mass produced, work at -40°C and aim to reduce dependence on lithium, with a future cost advantage over lithium-ion batteries.
CATL's second-generation Shenxing battery delivers 520 km range from a five-minute charge and maintains fast charging even at -10°C.

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Who’s Who

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL): Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is a leading EV battery manufacturer known for innovations like the Freevoy dual-power battery system, which boosts range and reduces charging times. CATL recently introduced mass-produced sodium-ion batteries and an advanced Shenxing battery with ultra-fast charging and cold-weather performance. These technologies aim to address range anxiety, lower costs, and reduce reliance on lithium.

BYD Co. Ltd.: According to the article, BYD Co. Ltd. is a Chinese electric vehicle giant. Last month, BYD surprised the industry by introducing a charging system capable of adding 400 kilometers to a vehicle’s range with roughly a five-minute charge. However, the latest CATL advancements appear to put CATL ahead of BYD in terms of charging speed and range, as CATL’s new technology can add 520 kilometers in a five-minute charge.

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