Chinese battery giant CATL has announced the launch of its latest “condensed matter” battery technology, which is expected to have an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. Initially designed for aviation use, the battery will also be available for electric vehicles (EVs) later this year. Wu Kai, CATL's chief scientist, stated that the company was working with partners to ensure the new battery was qualified for aviation use in terms of safety and quality.
The new battery technology boasts a range of innovative features, including ultra-high energy density cathode materials, innovative anode materials, separators and manufacturing processes. Highly conductive biomimetic condensed state electrolytes enhance the conductive performance of the cells, which improves the efficiency of lithium-ion transport while boosting the stability of the microstructure.
CATL's new battery technology is the latest addition to the company's groundbreaking product portfolio, which has seen the firm produce 37% of the world's EV batteries and 43.4% of energy storage batteries in 2022, amounting to a total of 289 GWh.
The cost of the new cells and the materials required to make them have not yet been revealed. Specifications such as charging efficiency, charge/discharge rate, safety ranges and life cycles have also not been disclosed.
CATL also announced its plans to achieve carbon neutrality in all its battery manufacturing plants by 2025, and across its battery value chain by 2035. To achieve this, the company will focus on reducing CO2 emissions in five key areas: mining, raw materials, battery materials, battery manufacturing and battery systems.
“For CATL, achieving carbon neutrality is our responsibility, demonstrates our capability, and opens up more opportunities,” said CATL Board Secretary Jiang Li.
CATL's recent technological advancements include the rollout of its first generation sodium-ion battery in 2021, with an energy density of 160 Wh/kg and a promised increase to 200 Wh/kg for the next generation. The company also launched Qilin battery in 2022, its third generation of cell-to-pack technology, which has a record-breaking volume utilization efficiency of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. The batteries have already been used in EVs from ZEEKR, AITO, Li Auto, and Geely.
With its new battery technology and commitment to carbon neutrality, CATL is poised to continue its leading role in the global EV and battery industries.
