Chinese battery maker CATL has begun mass production of the 1,000km-range Qilin battery, according to reports. This is the third generation of CATL’s cell-to-pack (CTP) battery technology, first unveiled in June 2022.
The first model to use the new Qilin battery is the Zeekr 009 electric van, reported Electrive. It is scheduled to begin deliveries with the Qilin battery in the second quarter of 2023. Series production of the van has been underway since mid-January and built with the 116kWh battery.
The Qilin 140kWh battery is used in the 009 ME model, the report said.
CATL said last August that the Qilin batteries are based on CATL’s third-generation CTP technology. The company said volume utilisation efficiency is 72% and energy density of up to 255Wh/kg, making it capable of delivering a range of over 1,000km.
It has large-surface cell cooling technology, meaning the Qilin supports a hot start in five minutes and fast charging in 10 minutes. “With the same chemical system and the same pack size, it can deliver 13% more power than the 4680 battery, accomplishing an all-round improvement in range, fast-charging, safety, service life, efficiency and low-temperature performance,” CATL said.
In addition to Zeekr, several other vehicle brands, including Li Auto, Neta, Lotus and AITO, have previously reportedly said they will use CATL’s Qilin battery.
