CATL has unveiled a suite of new battery technologies, focusing on extreme fast charging, higher energy density and broader chemistry options, at its Super Technology Day in Beijing.
The company presented updated versions of its Shenxing and Qilin lithium-ion batteries, a new “condensed” high-energy cell, a hybrid LFP/NCM system, and progress towards sodium-ion mass production. Alongside this, it outlined an integrated charging and battery-swapping network.
CATL’s chief scientist Wu Kai said different chemistries would continue to coexist: “LFP is nearing its theoretical energy density limit,” he said, adding that sodium-ion systems offer advantages in extreme temperatures, while nickel-rich chemistries remain critical where high energy density is required.
Fast charging without rapid degradation
The third-generation Shenxing battery is designed around high-rate charging. CATL claims a continuous 10C capability, with peak charging up to 15C.
Charging performance is the headline figure. The company said the battery can charge from 10% to 80% state of charge in 3 minutes 44 seconds, and from 10% to 98% in 6 minutes 27 seconds. At low temperatures (−30°C), charging from 20% to 98% takes around nine minutes.
Cycle life is also a focus. After 1,000 full cycles, capacity retention remains above 90%, according to CATL. The company attributes this to improved thermal management, reducing heat generation and better controlling temperature gradients during high-rate charging.
Qilin update targets power and weight
The third-generation Qilin battery moves in a different direction, targeting high energy density and power output for premium EVs.
The cell-level energy density is quoted at 280Wh/kg, enabling a claimed vehicle range of up to 1,000km. The system also supports 10C charging and delivers peak power of 3MW.
Weight reduction is a key change. CATL said the full pack weighs 625kg, around 255kg lighter than comparable LFP systems, with a reduction of 112 litres in volume. The company claims this translates into lower energy consumption and improved vehicle dynamics.
Safety features include cell-level isolation using what CATL calls “thermal-electrical separation”, designed to prevent propagation in the event of a failure.
Condensed battery pushes beyond 350Wh/kg
The most energy-dense system presented was the Qilin Condensed battery. CATL claims 350Wh/kg gravimetric energy density and 760Wh/L volumetric density at cell level.
This would enable ranges of up to 1,500km for passenger cars, according to the company, with pack weight kept below 650kg.
The design uses a high-nickel cathode and a silicon–carbon anode, along with a revised cell structure. A titanium alloy casing reduces weight while increasing mechanical strength.
CATL also highlighted a shift away from conventional liquid electrolytes, stating the system eliminates “leakage and combustion risks”. A composite current collector is designed to act as a fail-safe in the event of internal short circuits.
Hybrid battery combines LFP and NCM
The second-generation Freevoy hybrid battery combines LFP and NCM materials within a single system. CATL said this achieves an energy density of 230Wh/kg.
The system delivers up to 600km of electric-only range in hybrid vehicles, with total range exceeding 2,000km when combined with a combustion engine.
Power output is another focus. The battery can deliver 1.5MW at full charge and 1.2MW at 20% state of charge, addressing the drop-off typically seen at low charge levels.
Sodium-ion moves towards production
CATL also confirmed that its Naxtra sodium-ion battery is moving towards large-scale production, with GWh-level manufacturing targeted by the end of 2026.
The company said it had resolved key issues around moisture control, gas generation and electrode stability—long-standing barriers to sodium-ion commercialisation.
Wu said sodium-ion systems would play a role in energy storage and applications requiring operation in extreme climates.
Charging and swapping integration
Alongside the batteries, CATL outlined plans for an integrated charging and battery-swapping network. Stations will combine high-power fast charging with swap capability, using shared infrastructure to reduce energy losses.
The company said the system reduces power loss by more than 13 percentage points compared with conventional designs and increases utilisation rates.
An 800V “Choco-Swap” battery platform was also introduced, starting with a 75kWh pack. CATL plans to deploy 4,000 combined charge–swap stations across China by the end of 2026.
Focus on performance metrics
While CATL framed the announcements around a broad “multi-chemistry” strategy, the technical direction is clear: faster charging, higher energy density and improved thermal control.
As chairman Robin Zeng put it: “Industrial innovation must be driven by a rigorous scientific spirit.”
Photo: The third generation Shenxing super fast charging battery
Credit: CATL
