CATL launches superfast charging LFP battery Shenxing; mass production by end of year

CATL introduced Shenxing, the first 4C superfast charging LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, capable of delivering 400 km (249 miles) of driving range with a 10-minute charge as well as a range of more than 700 km (435 miles) on a single full charge. CATL expects Shenxing to alleviate fast charging anxiety for EV users, and open up an era of EV superfast charging.

CATL said that the Shenxing battery leverages a fully nano-crystallized LFP cathode material to create a super electronic network, which facilitates the extraction of lithium ions and the rapid response to charging signals.

For graphite innovation, CATL’s latest second-generation fast ion ring technology is used to modify the properties of the graphite surface, which increases intercalation channels and shortens the intercalation distance for lithium ions, creating an expressway for current conduction.

CATL engineers developed a multi-gradient layered electrode design to strike a balance between fast charging and long range.

CATL also developed a new superconducting electrolyte formula which effectively reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte, resulting in improved conductivity. In addition, CATL has improved the ultra-thin SEI film to reduce resistance of lithium-ion movement.

For the separator, CATL lowered the transmission resistance of lithium ions with high porosity and shortened average transmission distance.

In addition to achieving 4C superfast charging, Shenxing also achieves long driving range, fast charging over a wide range of temperatures and a high level of safety through structure innovation and leveraging intelligent algorithms.

CATL has developed a new all-in-one grouping technology on top of the integration of the internal crossbeam and end plates featured in its CTP 3.0 (cell-to-pack, earlier post) technology, achieving high integration and high grouping efficiency. It enables Shenxing to reach a range of over 700 km, breaking the limits of the performance of LFP chemistry.

At room temperature, Shenxing can charge to 80% SOC in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, CATL leverages cell temperature control technology on system platforms to ensure that cells heat up to the optimal operating temperature range rapidly, allowing a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes in temperature as low as -10°C, and uncompromised 0-100 km/h acceleration performance at low temperatures.

The upgraded electrolyte and the separator with a highly safe coating are used to provide a dual protection for the Shenxing battery. By regulating the global temperature field inside the cells using intelligent algorithms, CATL has built a real-time fault testing system that can solve the problems brought about by fast refueling, enabling a high level of safety for the Shenxing battery.

With its strengths in manufacturing, CATL has achieved the ability to transfer technology rapidly from lab to market, enabling rapid mass production of the Shenxing battery. According to Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business, mass production of Shenxing will be achieved by the end of this year, and electric vehicles equipped with Shenxing will be available on the market in the first quarter of next year.

iron