EV Fast-Charging Breakthrough? China's New Battery Gets 250 Miles in 10 Minutes
A Chinese company is looking to speed up EV charging times with a new battery technology that it says can achieve 248 miles of range (400km) in just 10 minutes.
The tech, dubbed Shenxing, "is expected to considerably alleviate fast charging anxiety for EV users, and opens up an era of EV superfast charging," says Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL). The company plans to begin mass production at the end of 2023, with vehicles equipped with the battery hitting the market in 2024. It did not list specific markets or vehicles, though its partners have included Tesla, Hyundai, Honda, and Ford.
This breakthrough means drivers may not have to factor in as much time for EV charging. Most EVs on the road have a range between 200 and 300 miles. A base Tesla Model 3 goes 270 miles on a single charge, and currently takes 30 minutes to an hour to power up on a public fast charger. But with CATL's new battery, charge times could be more on par with a gas station.
"Currently fast charging anxiety has become the top factor that stops consumers from shifting to EVs," CATL says. Consumer studies support this, as they have repeatedly shown charge times and range anxiety are among the top barriers to ownership.
How did CATL achieve its new breakthrough battery? The company lists three key innovations, all related to improving the flow of energy across the battery.
Accelerating the extraction of lithium ions, creating a "rapid response to charging signals."
Modifying the graphite surface to create an "expressway for current conduction."
Decreasing resistance of lithium-ion movement with a new "superconducting electrolyte formula" with less viscosity.
CATL also designed the battery to balance fast charging with long range,
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