Tag: CATL

  • First EV with 100-Second Choco-SEB Battery Swaps Delivered in China

    First EV with 100-Second Choco-SEB Battery Swaps Delivered in China

    Key Takeaways

    1. CATL announced a plan for a standardized system of swappable EV batteries in China, featuring quick battery exchanges at swap stations.
    2. The Choco-SEB batteries are set to launch in early 2025, with the Changan Oshan 520 being the first vehicle to use this technology.
    3. The battery swapping system aims to address the slow charging times of electric vehicles, allowing users to swap batteries in about 100 seconds.
    4. CATL plans to establish around 1,000 battery swapping stations by 2025, with a long-term goal of 30,000 stations.
    5. Other companies, like Nio, are also working on battery swapping solutions, with Nio operating over 3,000 swap stations in China.


    In December 2024, the EV battery leader CATL revealed a bold initiative to create a standardized system for swappable EV batteries in China. Central to CATL’s strategy is an extensive network of swap stations that will enable users to exchange a Choco-SEB (Swapping Electric Blocks) in just 100 seconds. This plan enjoys broad backing from manufacturers like Changan, along with two battery options: 20

    and 25#.

    Launch Timeline for Choco-SEB Batteries

    CATL stated that EVs equipped with Choco-SEB batteries are set to launch in the first quarter of 2025. According to CarsNewsChina (CNC), Changan, an automaker from Chongqing, has supplied 1,000 Oshan 520 EVs to a nearby taxi service. This achievement makes the Changan Oshan 520 the first production electric vehicle to utilize CATL’s Choco-SEB battery technology. The Oshan 520 boasts a claimed CLTC range of 515 km, which equals about 320 miles.

    Addressing Charging Challenges

    The long duration of charging remains a significant hurdle for electric vehicles. While options like Tesla Superchargers can provide up to 200 miles of charge in 15 minutes, they are still relatively slow compared to how quickly gasoline cars can refuel. This is where a standardized battery swapping system could really shine. If CATL’s Choco-SEB stations become widely available and function effectively, swapping in a new, fully charged battery would take just about the same time as filling up a gasoline vehicle.

    Future Expansion Plans

    Changan’s delivery of the initial Oshan 520 EVs marks the beginning of a lengthy journey for CATL. The company aims to set up around 1,000 battery swapping stations by 2025, with a goal of reaching a total of 30,000 in the future. Furthermore, CATL has entered agreements with several Chinese EV manufacturers to develop cars based on the Choco-SEB batteries. These manufacturers include SAIC, BAIC, GAC, Wuling, and FAW.

    Nevertheless, CATL isn’t the only player aiming to normalize EV battery swapping in China. Nio, another EV manufacturer, currently operates over 3,000 battery swap stations that cater to vehicles utilizing their Power Swap technology.

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  • Swappable Battery for Trucks: 5-Minute Change & $8,000 Fuel Savings

    Swappable Battery for Trucks: 5-Minute Change & $8,000 Fuel Savings

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla users in China are increasingly supporting battery swap technology due to significantly shorter swap times compared to traditional charging.
    2. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is expanding its battery swap initiatives, predicting that battery swapping will fulfill a third of all EV charging needs by 2030.
    3. The company is focusing on heavy-duty trucks, expecting a 50% electrification rate in the coming years, and has introduced standardized swappable battery packs for this segment.
    4. CATL plans to build 300 battery swap stations in 2025, aiming for a comprehensive network across major transportation areas in China by 2030.
    5. The new #75 heavy-duty battery pack can be swapped in five minutes, offering significant cost savings for electric trucks over diesel vehicles.


    Tesla users in China have began to show their support for the battery swap idea that companies such as CATL and NIO are using. One Tesla influencer there noted the stark difference in charging times.

    “Another NIO has come and gone, and this time I took the time,” they shared while waiting at a Supercharger near a NIO battery swap area. “It only took 3 mins and 30 seconds from the moment it parked in the bay to finish the swap,” they mentioned, expressing a little envy as it would take at least 40 mins for their Tesla.

    Battery Swap Adoption

    The battery swap idea, first introduced by EV brands like NIO, has now gained endorsement from the world’s largest battery manufacturer, CATL. Initially, it teamed up with NIO to share knowledge about swap stations and powertrains, then created long-lasting battery packs made for swapping, and is now constructing its own swap stations for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

    CATL is really confident in the future of battery swapping, and it has invested in several projects based on its forecast that battery swapping will meet a third of all electric vehicle charging requirements by 2030.

    Heavy-Duty Truck Innovations

    CEO Robin Zeng has mentioned that this vision includes commercial vehicles, such as heavy-duty trucks, where the electrification rate is estimated to hit 50% in the next few years. Currently, more than 30 electric truck models by 12 different manufacturers are utilizing CATL’s Qiji swappable battery chassis, and this number is expected to grow significantly.

    To prepare for the increasing demand for heavy-duty electric trucks, CATL introduced the first standardized swappable battery pack for this category, named #75. This comes after the previously announced #20 and #25 packs for passenger EV swap stations last year.

    Future Plans for Battery Swaps

    The #75 truck battery packs will be used at the swap stations operated by CATL’s subsidiary, Qiji Energy. CATL plans to build 300 of these stations in 2025 alone, with a comprehensive network of truck battery swap stations projected to cover all major transportation areas in China by 2030.

    According to CATL, the new #75 heavy-duty battery pack can be changed in just five minutes at a Qiji station, potentially saving more than $8,000 for every 100,000 km driven compared to a diesel truck.

    While CATL admits that the savings compared to an LPG truck are less significant, they believe the swapping process is more effective. They also note that the volatility in global LPG prices continues to make investing in electric trucks a smart choice.

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  • CATL Launches World’s First 9 MWh Battery: 5 Years Power, No Degradation

    CATL Launches World’s First 9 MWh Battery: 5 Years Power, No Degradation

    Key Takeaways

    1. CATL has launched the Tener Stack, a 9 MWh energy storage system, enhancing energy density and capacity for large-scale storage solutions.
    2. The Tener Stack maintains a zero capacity degradation warranty for the first five years, similar to its predecessor, the 6.25 MWh Tener system.
    3. The new system allows for significant space savings, utilizing 45% less space and enabling the creation of a standard grid-level 800 MWh energy storage park with fewer containers.
    4. CATL has improved shipping efficiency by reducing costs by 35% through a streamlined loading process and a 2-in-1 design that addresses transportation challenges.
    5. Enhanced safety features include advanced thermal management, gas sensors for rapid response to runaway events, and compliance with the IEEE693 standard for earthquake and storm resilience.


    Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), recognized as the top EV battery producer globally with a 38% market share, continues to enhance and innovate its offerings.

    New Innovations in Battery Technology

    Following its introduction of the first commercial sodium-ion battery pack for electric vehicles, which boasts a range of over 300 miles per single charge, CATL has now rolled out a pioneering 9 MWh energy storage system (ESS).

    The latest Tener Stack solution utilizes CATL’s recent advancements in battery chemistry and packaging, which significantly boosts energy density and capacity, fitting into a standard 20-foot energy storage container.

    Previous Milestones

    Approximately one year ago, CATL introduced the world’s first mass-produced energy storage solution with a capacity of 6.25 MWh, named Tener. At that time, it featured a 20% reduction in size and a 30% increase in energy density compared to earlier 20-foot energy storage solutions.

    With the help of CATL’s solid electrolyte interphase and other cutting-edge technologies, the highly reactive lithium in the LFP batteries is safeguarded against oxidation, which prevents thermal runaway and slows down capacity loss. As a result, CATL was able to offer a 5-year zero degradation and a 20-year overall warranty with the Tener system, a first of its kind.

    Introducing Tener Stack

    The new energy storage solution, known as Tener Stack, retains the same zero capacity degradation warranty as its 6.25 MWh predecessor.

    CATL proudly declares, “This is the world’s first mass-produced 9 MWh ultra-large capacity energy storage system solution,” asserting that the company has made significant advancements in system capacity, safety, deployment flexibility, and transportation efficiency, heralding a new era for large-scale storage technology with the Tener Stack.

    With a 9 MWh energy storage capacity, the 20-foot container can supply power to an average single-family home for up to six years, with CATL guaranteeing the cells will not experience capacity degradation for the first five years. Additionally, it has the potential to charge up to 150 electric vehicles, based on the current average battery size. CATL highlighted this capability while showcasing the solution at the Electrical Energy Storage (EES) 2025 expo in Munich, particularly for the typical German household.

    Enhanced Design and Efficiency

    The Tener Stack system employs LFP battery cells, similar to those found in well-known mobile power stations like Anker’s Solix C1000, which is currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon. In this case, CATL has improved space utilization by 45%, resulting in a 50% increase in energy density compared to traditional 6 MWh energy storage solutions.

    This enhancement allows utilities to develop a standard grid-level 800 MWh energy storage park using fewer containers, thus requiring 40% less land for deployment. Moreover, CATL has tackled the logistical difficulties of transporting these heavy LFP battery cells.

    The new Tener system has been designed as two identical half-height units, each weighing just under 36 tons, which is the typical legal limit for heavy shipment ground transport. When they arrive, the units can be combined into a 20-foot container, which is reflected in the “2-in-1” design and the name Tener Stack.

    Cost-Effective Shipping and Safety Features

    CATL has streamlined the loading process by utilizing standard container spreaders and liners, which has reduced shipping costs by 35%. The structural 2-in-1 design also permits the Tener Stack system to be sent to hard-to-reach areas where weight limits for bridges and tunnel heights might be problematic.

    As for safety, CATL highlights the leading thermal management of its LFP batteries, alongside new gas sensors that allow for rapid response to runaway events. The upgraded insulation further enhances fire resistance. The system meets the IEEE693 standard, capable of withstanding a magnitude 9 earthquake or a Category 5 storm.

    To save space and minimize thermal radiation, the thermal management system is positioned at the top of the container. The resultant noise level is maintained at 65 dB from three feet away, making CATL’s Tener Stack ESS suitable for urban environments as well.

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  • CATL to Mass Produce First 300-Mile Sodium-Ion Battery

    CATL to Mass Produce First 300-Mile Sodium-Ion Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Energy Density: CATL’s sodium-ion batteries in the Naxtra series have an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries.

    2. Extended Range Capabilities: The Naxtra batteries can achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge, marking a significant advancement for sodium-ion technology in electric vehicles.

    3. Resilience in Extreme Conditions: These batteries maintain capacity for over 10,000 charge cycles and perform well at extremely low temperatures, retaining 90% of charge at -40 degrees Celsius.

    4. Cost and Safety Advantages: Sodium-ion batteries offer lower costs and enhanced safety, as they do not contain flammable materials, reducing the need for reinforced casings.

    5. Mass Production Plans: CATL plans to start mass production of sodium-ion batteries for heavy-duty trucks in June and will begin delivering 300-mile Naxtra packs for electric vehicles by December.


    Battery producers such as BYD and HiNa have begun making sodium-ion batteries aimed at energy storage and smaller vehicles. However, the largest battery manufacturer in the world has surpassed them by revealing its new sodium-ion battery series for passenger electric vehicles, named Naxtra.

    High Energy Density

    The battery packs are constructed with CATL’s next-generation sodium-ion cells, boasting an impressive energy density of 175 Wh/kg. This energy density matches that of today’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries found in Anker power banks and popular electric cars like the Tesla Model Y, marking a significant advancement for sodium-ion battery technology.

    Extended Range Capabilities

    The Naxtra series features the first sodium-ion battery mass-produced for electric vehicles that can achieve a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. Besides being the first extended-range sodium-ion battery for passenger electric cars, CATL’s Naxtra battery offers all the benefits associated with sodium-ion technology when compared to lithium batteries.

    Resilience in Extreme Conditions

    This new sodium-ion battery maintains its capacity for over 10,000 charge cycles and performs well even in extremely low temperatures. CATL claims that its sodium-ion pack can keep 90% of a minimal 10% charge at -40 degrees Celsius, a challenge that lithium batteries struggle to meet. For instance, preconditioning a lithium battery, which uses its own energy to warm up before charging, is only effective when the charge is above 20%.

    In June, CATL plans to kick off mass production of sodium-ion batteries for heavy-duty trucks, intending to replace lead-acid batteries at half the cost. By December, they will begin sending out the first 300-mile sodium-ion Naxtra packs for customers to integrate into their forthcoming electric vehicle models.

    Cost and Safety Advantages

    While lithium prices have significantly decreased from their 2022 peak and sodium-ion batteries currently do not achieve half the manufacturing costs of lithium cells, sodium-ion chemistry presents various benefits beyond just a lower price point.

    These batteries can retain their capacity for a longer duration and under harsher conditions. A major advantage is their safety; unlike lithium cells with liquid electrolytes, sodium-ion batteries do not contain flammable materials, allowing them to endure various impact, puncture, or fire tests without needing reinforced casing like CATL’s lithium batteries.

    The battery manufacturer has even shared a testing video demonstrating that the Naxtra sodium-ion packs undergo rigorous endurance tests, succeeding impressively, which is promising for the safety of future electric vehicles utilizing the Naxtra sodium-ion battery in case of road incidents.

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  • CATL Sodium-Ion Battery Approaches LFP Energy Density at Lower Cost

    CATL Sodium-Ion Battery Approaches LFP Energy Density at Lower Cost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cost Efficiency: CATL’s sodium-ion batteries are expected to be cheaper to produce than current iron phosphate (LFP) cells when mass production begins.

    2. Energy Density Advancements: Sodium-ion cells are approaching energy density levels comparable to LFP batteries, overcoming a key barrier to their broader adoption.

    3. Positive Market Outlook: The launch of the first sodium-ion power bank indicates a favorable trend for increased adoption of this technology and competitive pricing.

    4. Cautious Commercialization: CATL takes a conservative approach to commercialization, focusing on viable mass production rather than high-priced niche products.

    5. Solid-State Battery Timeline: CATL has experience in solid-state batteries but predicts widespread use won’t occur until after 2027, reflecting their cautious strategy.


    At a recent quarterly meeting with investors, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), recognized as the largest battery manufacturer in the world, provided insight into its plans for sodium-ion cell production.

    Cost Efficiency in Production

    When CATL’s second generation of sodium-ion batteries is fully ramped up for mass production, the expenses involved will be significantly reduced compared to the current most economical battery type, which is the iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

    Advancements in Energy Density

    An even more crucial point in CATL’s sodium-ion battery progress update is the assertion that its sodium-ion cells are nearing the energy density levels of the common LFP battery technology, which is dominant in both 200W power banks and mainstream electric vehicles. This was previously the central barrier to broader sodium-ion battery adoption, as these batteries have mostly been utilized for proof-of-concept electric vehicles or energy storage projects that don’t demand high energy densities.

    Positive Outlook for Mass Adoption

    The recent introduction of the first sodium-ion power bank suggests a positive outlook for the widespread use of this technology. If CATL, the world’s leading battery producer, is making advancements in its development, then competitive pricing should follow soon after.

    CATL’s sodium-ion battery update is quite a notable advancement, not just because it claims that producing cells without lithium will be cheaper than LFP technology, but also because it believes that mass production is unavoidable. They stated, “once large-scale adoption is achieved, sodium-ion batteries will have a certain cost advantage over LFP batteries.”

    CATL’s Conservative Approach

    CATL has reached the top of the battery industry by being cautious with its commercialization predictions of new technologies. Unlike smaller startups striving for breakthroughs in solid-state or sodium-ion batteries that lead to high-priced and niche products, CATL prioritizes the mass production viability of new battery chemistries or packaging technologies.

    When NIO requested a collaboration on its battery utilizing 95% solid electrolyte, CATL dismissed the idea, citing the resources needed to fulfill existing orders for its numerous clients. NIO subsequently developed a 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery for its ET7 sedan with a startup, but CATL was correct in predicting that the battery became too costly, and now NIO is leasing it for extended summer journeys.

    Cautious Optimism for Solid-State Batteries

    This is not to imply that CATL lacks experience in solid-state battery development; they have a decade of work in this area. However, the company warns that widespread use won’t occur until after 2027. This is sooner than their earlier 2030 estimate, but CATL tends to prioritize caution, and a similar strategy appears to be in effect with their sodium-ion battery technology.

    Despite CATL’s sodium-ion battery energy density apparently nearing that of LFP batteries, the company seems to be taking a deliberate approach to refine the chemistry while considering what will be practical for low-cost mass production.

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  • CATL Launches Major EV Battery Swap Network for Faster Charging

    CATL Launches Major EV Battery Swap Network for Faster Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. CATL is focusing on EV battery swap stations, aiming to replace depleted batteries in under 5 minutes, with a $346 million investment for a global network in collaboration with NIO Power.

    2. NIO vehicles can autonomously navigate to swap stations, with battery swaps taking about 3 minutes, supported by a new 15-year warranty for swapped batteries.

    3. The partnership between CATL and NIO aims to ensure 85% battery capacity retention after 15 years, surpassing Tesla’s 70% retention after 8 years.

    4. The initiative addresses key concerns for EV buyers regarding resale value and charging time, while also working towards global standards for battery swapping.

    5. CATL plans to establish a network of 30,000 battery swap stations, enhancing the entire lifecycle of batteries through R&D, swapping services, and recycling.


    As BYD revealed a new 1MW electric vehicle (EV) framework designed to make charging as quick as filling a gas vehicle, CATL, the largest battery manufacturer globally, is tackling the challenge in a different manner.

    Battery Swap Stations Initiative

    CATL is now focusing on EV battery swap stations which can replace a depleted battery in under 5 minutes. They plan to create the largest swap station network worldwide in collaboration with NIO Power, a leader in battery swapping, by investing $346 million into the project.

    In December, CATL introduced its #20 and #25 power packs, named in a style reminiscent of fuel octane ratings, like #95 or #98. Designed for battery swap stations, the #20 packs are available in 42 kWh LFP and 52 kWh nickel battery versions. Meanwhile, the #25 variant boasts a capacity of 56 kWh LFP and 70 kWh ternary battery models.

    NIO’s Automated Technology

    NIO vehicles have the capability to autonomously navigate to a station, swap their battery for a fully charged one in roughly 3 minutes, and then continue on their way. CATL serves as the primary supplier of batteries for these stations, and they are collaborating with NIO to provide a 15-year battery warranty for electric vehicles, an increase from the current 12 years offered on their swap station packs.

    This extended warranty could significantly impact the industry and positively affect the second-hand EV market. Presently, the standard warranty for batteries is 8 years, which may not suffice, especially with around 20 million EVs set to exit their warranty period in the near future, potentially harming the resale value of used electric vehicles.

    Setting New Standards

    The partnership between CATL and NIO is not only focused on establishing a 15-year warranty but also on ensuring that 85% of the battery’s capacity remains after that time, which is higher than the 70% capacity retention Tesla currently provides after its 8-year warranty period.

    Hence, the collaboration between CATL and NIO for the vast battery swap station network aims to alleviate two major concerns for prospective EV buyers: resale value and charging time. They are also working to create global standards for battery swapping to facilitate network expansion.

    NIO already runs thousands of swap stations both in China and internationally, while CATL will ensure that their network remains compatible and runs alongside it.

    According to CATL, the world’s largest EV battery swap network “will create a complete lifecycle loop that includes battery R&D, swapping services, asset management, reutilization, and material recycling, helping to lower costs and boost efficiency throughout the entire value chain.”

    When unveiling its #20 and #25 swappable battery packs, CATL expressed ambitions to ultimately create a network of 30,000 battery swap stations. Partnering with a pioneer like NIO is expected to “leverage their combined strengths in technology, management, platforms, and brand presence,” claims the largest battery manufacturer globally.

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  • BYD Exec: Solid-State Battery Demo Expected by 2027

    BYD Exec: Solid-State Battery Demo Expected by 2027

    Key Takeaways

    1. Solid-state batteries are a key focus for research, especially among electric vehicle manufacturers aiming to improve range.
    2. BYD plans to start demonstration projects for solid-state batteries around 2027, with wider availability expected by 2030.
    3. CATL aims for limited production of solid-state batteries in 2027, but high-volume production may face cost challenges.
    4. BYD’s battery material selection prioritizes cost and production stability, with trial production of single cells expected by 2024.
    5. Large-scale use of solid-state batteries is anticipated to begin late in the decade, with costs expected to align with current liquid ternary batteries.


    Solid-state batteries are a key focus in the research world, particularly among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers looking to boost the range of their vehicles. BYD’s CTO for the battery division, Sun Huajun, mentioned that the company plans to start demonstration projects for solid-state batteries by around 2027. He made this statement during a recent forum and added that these batteries might not be widely available until 2030.

    Industry Progress

    Sun highlighted that advancements in solid-state batteries are consistent among major players in the industry. For instance, CATL, the leading global battery manufacturer, announced last year that it aims to begin limited production of its solid-state battery in 2027. Nevertheless, Wu Kai, the chief scientist of CATL, pointed out that achieving high-volume production could face challenges in lowering costs effectively.

    BYD’s Strategy

    According to Sun, BYD’s selection of materials for its batteries was influenced by factors such as cost and stability of production processes. The company initiated its research on solid-state batteries back in 2016 and is expected to reach trial production of single cells ranging from 20 Ah to 60 Ah by 2024.

    Future Outlook

    While it is anticipated that large-scale use of these batteries will not occur until late in the decade, Sun reassured that their affordability should not be a concern in the long run. As more options become available, costs are expected to align with those of liquid ternary batteries.

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  • Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    The scientific effort to create affordable sodium-ion batteries as a potential substitute for lithium-based battery packs used in electric vehicles and energy storage is reminiscent of the intense research and development that fueled LFP batteries over the last decade.

    Price and Performance of LFP Batteries

    The phosphate batteries, which avoid the costly nickel and cobalt, have gradually seen a decrease in price. This has led to the emergence of portable power stations, such as the Anker SOLIX, which are available for under a thousand dollars on Amazon. Additionally, these batteries have shown improvements in energy density and charging capabilities in cold conditions. As a result, LFP batteries are becoming the preferred choice for mass-produced electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

    Advancements in Sodium-Ion Technology

    A similar trend is unfolding with sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is around 50 times cheaper than lithium and is so plentiful that it can be extracted from seawater. After more than ten years of research aimed at developing a practical sodium-ion battery, the first electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems are starting to appear. Major battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, are focusing more on sodium-ion production, even with the significant decline in lithium prices recently.

    Improving Energy Density

    One of the main drawbacks of sodium-ion batteries has been their energy density, which is gradually improving as more research from labs transitions into production. A recent breakthrough involves a sodium vanadium phosphate compound (NaxV2(PO4)3) developed by scientists from the University of Houston and various French universities, moving from theory to practical use.

    This new vanadium phosphate material enhances the theoretical energy density from the current average of 396 Wh/kg to 458 Wh/kg, which brings it closer to lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the incorporation of vanadium helps maintain stability during quick charging and discharging cycles while providing a higher voltage of 3.7V compared to the conventional cells currently in use.

    Implications for Future Developments

    Researchers highlight that “the continuous voltage change is a key feature” since it improves the battery’s energy efficiency without compromising the stability of the electrodes. The team even refers to this advancement as “a game-changer” for the future of sodium-ion battery technology and suggests that their specialized process could potentially apply to other electrode materials as well.

    Source: Link

  • Tesla Model Y Juniper 4680 Battery Hurdles: Musk’s Overpromises

    Tesla Model Y Juniper 4680 Battery Hurdles: Musk’s Overpromises

    While Tesla is heavily investing in perfecting its affordable 4680 batteries to make the most of current government subsidies, the leader of the largest battery manufacturer has doubts about the feasibility of these efforts.

    CATL’s Perspective on US Investments

    In a recent discussion, CATL’s Chairman Robin Zeng shared insights on the company’s plans for production in the US, mentioning that they are open to various investments beyond just technology licensing agreements with Tesla and Ford. The Nevada Gigafactory is set to begin producing batteries using CATL’s technology as early as next year. Although the specific type of batteries being produced remains uncertain, the most likely option appears to be LFP cells. Despite Giga Nevada having a planned capacity of 100 GWh for 4680 batteries, Zeng expresses skepticism about the feasibility of achieving affordable cylindrical cells.

    Concerns About Musk’s Promises

    Zeng commented on Elon Musk, stating, “He excels in areas like chips, software, hardware, and mechanics,” but he lacks understanding of the 4680’s “electrochemistry,” which he believes “will ultimately fail.” The main issue with Musk, according to CATL’s CEO, is his tendency to “overpromise.” He added, “Maybe something requires five years, but he claims it’s only two. I asked him about it, and he said he wanted to motivate people. He probably thinks it takes five years, but if you trust him when he says two, you might find yourself in trouble.” Zeng recounted how he explained to Musk the challenges of producing cylindrical 4680 batteries at half the cost of Tesla’s existing cells, a claim made on Battery Day back in 2020, which left Musk speechless.

    Tesla’s Optimism and Future Plans

    In the recent quarterly earnings call, Musk expressed optimism that Tesla would not just match the manufacturing costs of suppliers such as LG or Panasonic but would also produce the 4680 battery at the lowest cost in the US. He stated, “The team is making great progress with the 4680 cell lines. It is getting very competitive. When you consider the total cost of a battery pack in the US, net of incentives and tariffs, the 4680 is on track to be the most cost-effective option.” While they haven’t quite reached that point yet, Musk believes they are close, adding that they have many ideas to improve further. He emphasized that Tesla will continue to source many cells from suppliers while also ramping up vehicle and stationary storage production.

    The important phrase here is “with incentives,” as the government provides $35 per kWh for US-made battery capacity, which will likely benefit Tesla significantly.

    Expanding Manufacturing Capacity

    Musk’s confidence is further bolstered by Tesla’s success with the cost-effective dry cathode method and the recent launch of the first Cybertruck utilizing these cells. The company is now looking to boost its 4680 manufacturing capacity to produce battery packs for the Model Y, Model 3, and Robotaxi. For example, the upcoming Model Y Juniper facelift is expected to feature 4680 batteries in the US, as Tesla aims to keep costs low and maintain pricing similar to the current model. However, there’s a possibility that electric vehicle subsidies could be cut with a new Trump administration, which means that the challenges with the 4680 battery’s “electrochemistry” might not be the only hurdle in terms of production costs.

    Source: Link

  • CATL Launches 500 Wh/kg Solid-State EV Battery Cell Trial Production

    CATL Launches 500 Wh/kg Solid-State EV Battery Cell Trial Production

    The largest manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, CATL, has commenced the sample validation of 20Ah solid-state battery cells utilizing its sulfide technology research.

    Initial Skepticism

    At first, CATL dismissed the rapid commercialization claims surrounding solid-state batteries. The company stated that after several years of research and development, it remains skeptical about their mass-market readiness before 2030 due to the high costs of production.

    Revised Outlook

    Recently, it has adjusted its forecast, suggesting that solid-state batteries could be available for high-end electric vehicles by 2027. CATL plans to provide its own cells featuring an all-solid electrolyte by that time.

    To facilitate this progress, CATL has assigned about 1,000 engineers to concentrate on the solid-state battery initiative. They have achieved an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which is nearly double that of batteries commonly found in standard electric vehicles.

    Overcoming Challenges

    Nevertheless, industry insiders mention that CATL still has some issues to resolve regarding charging speeds and battery life. This is the reason for the current sample validation phase for the 20Ah solid-state battery cells, which are essential components of EV battery packs.

    Once the charging and lifespan criteria are satisfied, CATL will need to tackle production engineering and scaling up manufacturing capacity, which are actually where it excels the most.

    CATL isn’t the only player in the solid-state battery arena, as other companies like BYD, Toyota, and Samsung are also making strides with their respective projects. However, CATL is seen as the most adept in this field. The chairman recently stated that CATL’s solid-state technology is significantly ahead of the competition. Given its progress to the sample validation phase for EV-grade cells, this claim may hold some truth.

    Industry Consensus

    Most companies that have disclosed their solid-state battery plans share a common goal: they aim to have their battery packs ready for electric vehicles by 2027. However, Toyota has cautioned that these solid-state batteries will likely be pricier than the existing ternary lithium cells that use liquid electrolytes, meaning they will initially be reserved for luxury electric vehicles in its Lexus lineup.