Many potential buyers are still hesitant to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) due to fears of being stranded with a dead battery. However, a groundbreaking innovation from China might just alleviate those concerns.
CATL, a leading Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries, has introduced a game-changing development in battery technology that promises to significantly extend the driving range of EVs. At the Beijing Auto Show held on Thursday, the company unveiled the “Shenxing Plus,” a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometers on a single charge.
This new battery represents the first LFP battery in the world to achieve such a range, according to Gao Huan, the Chief Technology Officer of CATL’s EV division. Range anxiety—the fear of running out of power without access to charging stations—continues to be a major deterrent for consumers considering electric cars.
The predecessor to the Shenxing Plus was capable of a 700-kilometer range and has already been incorporated into four car models since its release last year. Gao added that by the end of this year, an additional 50 EV models are expected to be equipped with this advanced battery technology.
LFP batteries are considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles, as they do not contain cobalt. CATL, which also operates production facilities in Germany, reported a rise in profits for the first quarter following a decline at the end of last year. According to Counterpoint Research, over two-thirds of the global battery capacity is manufactured by Chinese companies, underscoring China’s dominant position in the market.
This latest advancement by CATL could potentially shift consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles, offering a reliable and sustainable alternative to gasoline engines with its impressive range capabilities.
