621-Mile Range Battery Debuts in Beijing

Key Takeaways

CATL unveiled its Shenxing Plus battery with 1000-km (621-mile) range.
Fast-charging adds 600 km (373 miles) in just 10 minutes.
Lithium iron phospate batteries like the Shenxing Plus offer reduced costs and a long life cycle, making them appealing to automakers.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL), a massive Chinese battery and technology company that has attracted automakers from around the world in recent years, revealed a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery on Thursday. This new battery offers a driving range of more than 1000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge. Named the Shenxing Plus, this is the first battery of its kind and is a potential game changer for the EV industry.

Electric has been the name of the game at the Beijing Auto Show, with custom Chinese Rolls-Royce Spectres, BMW M-rivaling G80 EV sports sedans from Genesis, and even custom overlanding concepts from design houses like Italdesign. With so many electric offerings, it’s no surprise that a battery producer took the opportunity to show off its latest tech.

CATL

Unlocking Range Potential

LFP batteries are a favorite in the automotive industry for their reduced cost, long life cycle, and greater sustainability with more ethical sourcing. Four vehicles already use the current generation 700-km (435-mile) range Shenxing battery with 50 more slated by the end of the year.

A 621-mile battery is impressive, but as a Chinese company, that number was likely achieved under the Chinese government’s CLTC test cycle. EPA testing of the same battery would probably see that figure drop by around 100 miles, which would still be a high figure for an EV battery.

Automakers Working With CATL

CATL and Ford originally had a deal for a $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan. That deal caught the attention of Chinese officials, who were worried about Ford unfairly benefiting from the technology. Combined with domestic pressure, this forced the company to scale back those plans.

Numerous American Automakers Exploring Chinese EV Technology Deals

Tesla is reportedly interested in battery technology from CATL, and it’s not the only one.

Earlier this year, Tesla announced that it was actively seeking a partnership with CATL that would grant it the license to use the company’s technology in vehicles, including the upcoming Tesla Roadster. Porsche is also on the list with the battery finding its way into the new Macan EV.