China’s CATL Launches Battery With 1000 km Range On A Single Charge

Leading battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has launched its Qilin battery technology which has a volume utilization efficiency of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. CATL claims that it has recorded the highest integration level worldwide so far by delivering a range of over 1,000 km .

The official statement of CATL holds that together with overall breakthroughs in the core process, algorithm and materials over years, the company now redefines battery structure design with ‘Qilin,’ (Kirin) which is named after a legendary creature in Chinese mythology.

CATL says that in the CTP 3.0 battery, the internal crossbeam, liquid-cooling plate and thermal pad have been integrated into a multifunctional elastic interlayer. The integrated energy unit, which is composed of the cell and the multifunctional elastic interlayer, builds a more stable load bearing structure perpendicular to the driving direction, thus enhancing the shock and vibration resistance of the battery pack.

CATL has employed precise computing and AI simulation capabilities. The ingenious bottom sharing design allows the smart arrangement of various components including structural protection, high-voltage connection and a protective vent for thermal runaway, further increasing the battery capacity by 6%.

The novel battery also fulfills the criteria of the battery safety tests required by national standards in China.

By placing liquid cooling functional parts between adjacent cells, the trailblazing large-surface cell cooling technology increases the heat transfer area by four times, cuts thermal control time in half, and supports a hot start in 5 minutes and fast charging in 10 minutes. It enables the cell to cool down rapidly in extreme circumstances, effectively preventing abnormal thermal conduction among cells.

CATL also mentions that supported by the above-mentioned technological innovations, the CTP 3.0 battery can increase the energy density to 255 Wh/kg for ternary battery systems, and 160 Wh/kg for LFP battery systems. 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 also informs that batteries, or Qilin, are expected to be mass produced and appear on the market in 2023.

In April, CATL declared an investment in a battery chain project in Indonesia as part of its $6 billion expansion plan. The company recently raised a massive $6.7 billion in a stock placement in Shenzhen by selling over 109 million shares which is expected to give a new fillip to its battery business across the globe.