CATL, the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer and a major supplier to Tesla, has introduced a new fast charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery called “Shenxing.” This battery is capable of providing an impressive 248 miles of range after just 10 minutes of charging. The name “Shenxing” translates to “divine speed” in ancient Chinese, reflecting the battery’s rapid charging capabilities.
CATL claims that Shenxing is the first LFP battery in the world to support 4C super-fast charging, meaning it can charge at a current of 12A above the diffusion limiting current. The battery is designed to achieve a balance between super-fast charging, high energy density, and high levels of safety. The technology behind Shenxing includes accelerated extraction of lithium ions, improved lithium-ion intercalation rate, a multi-gradient layered electrode design, a new superconducting electrolyte formula, and an ultra-thin and safer separator.
One significant advantage of this battery is its ability to achieve fast-charging over a wide temperature range, including temperatures as low as 14℉. CATL claims that the battery can charge from zero to 80% in just 30 minutes, even in cold conditions.
The new fast-charging LFP battery is set to begin mass production in China by the end of the year, with the first electric vehicle models equipped with Shenxing batteries expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024. This innovation could potentially address some of the limitations associated with LFP batteries, such as lower energy density and reduced performance in cold temperatures.
The introduction of such rapid-charging LFP batteries could play a significant role in the wider adoption of electric vehicles by addressing concerns related to charging times and range anxiety.