CATL unveils 5-min chargeable battery; aiding mileage up to 520 kms

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the global leader in EV battery production, showcased its latest advancements during Tech Day in Shanghai, highlighting major upgrades in battery performance and innovation. The headline was the improved Shenxing battery, capable of delivering 520 kilometres of driving range with just five minutes of charging - a significant step forward in fast-charging technology. This positions CATL ahead of rival BYD, which recently introduced a system offering 400 kilometres in a similar timeframe. 

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CATL also introduced its sodium-ion battery, Naxtra, which is now ready for commercialization. Tested under extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures and fire, Naxtra displayed zero power degradation. It can offer 200 kilometres of range in hybrid vehicles and up to 500 kilometres in EVs. Sodium-ion technology is being promoted as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to lithium due to the abundance and the stability of sodium. 

Another standout was a dual-power battery system that delivers up to 1500 kilometers on a single charge, combining a high-speed charging cell with an auxiliary unit. Executives criticized ongoing price wars but emphasized the need for healthy competition in innovation and product quality. CATL also hinted at future potential in electric aviation, with eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) batteries capable of powering flight over 250 kilometers. Financially, CATL reported a 33% rise in Q1 earnings, though revenue growth fell short of expectations.