Tag: CATL

  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • CATL Launches Super Hybrid Battery: 173 Miles in 10 Minutes

    CATL Launches Super Hybrid Battery: 173 Miles in 10 Minutes

    The well-known electric vehicle battery giant, CATL, has introduced its new ‘Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery’. This innovative battery is set to redefine standards for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), boasting an impressive industry-first claimed all-electric range of 400 km. For those who keep track of hybrid advancements, this is a significant achievement.

    Addressing PHEV Limitations

    Traditionally, PHEVs have struggled with drawbacks that prevent them from matching the full electric vehicle experience. Many hybrid users find it rather frustrating that driving solely on electric power for long distances often leads to frequent charging breaks, making them reliant on internal combustion engines (ICE). With its claimed range of 250 miles (400 km), CATL seems ready to tackle this challenge directly.

    Quick Charging Capabilities

    Additionally, the Freevoy battery can gain up to 174 miles (280 km) of range with just a swift 10-minute charge. If CATL’s assertions prove accurate, this would significantly alleviate the range anxiety that has long plagued both PHEVs and EVs. With fast charging available, the Freevoy is in a prime position to compete with electric-only vehicles not only in terms of range but also charging ease, while still providing the safety net of an onboard gasoline engine in emergencies.

    Innovative Technology Behind Freevoy

    To achieve the capabilities of the Freevoy, CATL has merged various technological advancements. Notably, a breakthrough can be seen in its cathode, where a high-voltage electrolyte and a nano-protective coating work together to limit side interactions, protecting the active materials and enhancing stability. The cathode is further improved with the inclusion of high-energy, excited-state particles, which promotes a swift and steady flow of lithium ions through the material.

    Performance in Cold Weather

    Moreover, for those living in chillier regions where electric vehicles typically face challenges, Freevoy employs CATL’s sodium-ion technology. This technology merges sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells to maximize performance, allowing the battery to operate at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This ensures not only that the battery preserves its range but also that it charges reliably in cold weather, alongside accurate state of charge (SOC) calibration, which has been a common headache for both electric and hybrid vehicles.

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  • CATL predicts strong growth in 2023 amidst worldwide surge in electric vehicles and competition

    CATL predicts strong growth in 2023 amidst worldwide surge in electric vehicles and competition

    Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, has experienced significant growth in 2023. The company expects a robust expansion, with a projected net profit between 42.5 billion yuan to 45.5 billion yuan, representing a growth rate ranging from 38.3% to 48.1%. This follows CATL’s impressive 92.89% net profit gain in 2022.

    CATL’s Optimistic Outlook

    CATL attributes its optimistic outlook to the global surge in electric car adoption. With a remarkable 37.4% market share in 2023, the company produced 233.4 gigawatt-hours of batteries. Although there was a 4.3% dip in Q3 2023 profits due to a currency exchange loss, CATL projects a strong Q4, estimating a profit of 11.35 billion yuan to 14.35 billion yuan. This increase is expected to be driven by higher sales volume and lower production costs.

    Challenges in the Chinese EV Market

    In the ever-expanding Chinese EV market, where approximately 40% of new cars are battery-powered, CATL faces challenges from smaller rivals and a deceleration in demand. Despite a 37% year-on-year increase in EV deliveries in 2023, CATL remains at the forefront, holding a 43.11% market share in China. However, this is slightly down from its 48.2% market share in 2022.

    CATL’s Global Significance

    CATL’s global significance is underscored by the fact that 40% of its products are sold outside mainland China. As the electric vehicle industry experiences a shift in dynamics, with BYD emerging as a formidable competitor, CATL’s market share in China has dipped slightly. BYD, China’s second-ranked EV battery maker, is forecasted to experience an 86.5% net profit increase in 2023, surpassing even Tesla in sales.

    Future Technological Advancements

    Looking ahead, CATL plans to introduce groundbreaking technological advancements. One notable example is the Shenxing battery, which offers a driving range of 400km in just 10 minutes. Additionally, CATL’s collaboration with Didi on battery-swapping technology reflects the company’s commitment to innovative solutions in response to evolving market demands.

    CATL’s Global Impact

    Despite challenges such as slowing demand and stiff competition, CATL remains a pivotal player in the global EV landscape. Its performance and strategic moves extend far beyond the Chinese market, solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry.

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  • Impressive 2023 growth numbers fast bridge worldwide battery usage gap for CATL

    Impressive 2023 growth numbers fast bridge worldwide battery usage gap for CATL

    CATL Expands Global Presence with Impressive Battery Usage Growth

    Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is rapidly expanding its global presence, according to a recent report by Korean firm SNE Research. From January to September 2023, CATL’s worldwide battery usage outside of its home market reached approximately 64 gigawatt-hours, marking a significant 104.9% improvement compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, CATL’s global market share has increased by 7 percentage points within this timeframe.

    The remarkable results achieved by CATL have placed the company on par with South Korean manufacturer LG Energy Solutions, which currently holds a 28.1% market share. LG Energy Solutions reported a growth of 49.2% in battery usage during Q1-Q3 2023, although its global market share experienced a slight decrease. The fourth and fifth largest battery manufacturers globally, SK On and Samsung SDI, also witnessed an increase in their worldwide battery usage, reaching 24.4GWh and 21.6GWh, respectively.

    Despite CATL’s rising profile, South Korea still accounts for 48.3% of the global market share, representing a decrease of 5.8 percentage points from the previous year. The SNE Research report also revealed that global battery installations in electric vehicles reached 228GWh from January to September 2023, reflecting an impressive 54.9% increase compared to the previous year. This significant growth in battery installations indicates a corresponding increase in electric vehicle sales. Chinese EV maker BYD emerged as the world’s largest EV manufacturer, recording a battery usage of 4.1GWh. Another Chinese company, Farasis Energy, also demonstrated impressive growth with a battery usage of 3GWh.

    The outlook for CATL remains positive as the company continues to supply battery products to a wide range of EV makers. Among CATL’s prominent customers are Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo, among others. The company has also expanded its reach by securing Hyundai and Kia as its most recent customers. CATL’s influence has rapidly expanded both locally and globally.

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