Tag: LFP batteries

  • 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 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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  • Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries

    Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries

    Tesla is set to launch a battery heating feature at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations. This enhancement will enable standard range Model 3 and Model Y RWD versions equipped with LFP batteries to charge up to four times quicker during winter months.

    Performance in Cold Weather

    Typically, LFP cells, like those found in portable power stations, do not perform as well in low temperatures. This might be a reason why Tesla has prioritized the Supercharger battery heating option specifically for the standard range Model Y and Model 3.

    Innovative Heating Method

    The new heating service differs from the usual preconditioning process that Tesla vehicles undergo when heading to a Supercharger. Instead of slowly warming up the battery pack, the Supercharger transmits ripple AC current straight through the individual LFP battery cells, effectively heating them during cold weather conditions.

    “This is made possible by Tesla’s vertical integration and some of our brilliant engineers,” says Max de Zegher from Tesla. He notes that this new feature might remain exclusive to vehicles that utilize CATL LFP batteries.

    Speeding Up Charging Times

    The Supercharger battery heating option can allow a standard range Model Y to get back on the road up to four times faster than previously, addressing the main issue faced by LFP batteries. Elon Musk has previously discussed the slower charging speeds of Teslas with LFP batteries in extreme conditions:

    In cold weather, LFP batteries charge at a slower rate compared to NCA batteries, and their range diminishes more than that of NCA batteries as well. It’s important to remember that both types of batteries perform poorly in cold weather, but LFP batteries are more affected. While on a road trip to a Supercharger, the vehicle will prewarm its batteries, which can help alleviate some of the slower charging issues. However, this means you may spend an additional six or seven minutes at the Supercharger during winter with LFP batteries. This could be a concern if you intend to rely on your vehicle for frequent cold weather supercharging, though it won’t affect you if you charge your car at home overnight.

    Tesla’s LFP battery supplier, CATL, now has new LFP cells that do not experience slow charging in cold conditions. However, these specific cells are not used in the standard range Model 3 or Model Y. In the US, Tesla is primarily selling only long-range options, as its vehicles with Chinese LFP cells do not qualify for federal tax incentives.

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  • SK On Targets Mass Production of LFP Batteries for the EV Market by 2026

    SK On Targets Mass Production of LFP Batteries for the EV Market by 2026

    South Korea’s SK On to Begin Mass Production of LFP Batteries in 2026

    South Korean company SK On is planning to start mass production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as early as 2026. The company aims to collaborate with major traditional automakers to provide a more cost-effective battery chemistry. SK On’s Chief Administrative Officer, Choi Young-chan, revealed this strategy, which is similar to that of Chinese counterparts.

    Expansion of Battery Supply to Major Automakers

    SK On is already actively involved in supplying electric vehicle (EV) batteries to major automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, and Hyundai. Although the names of the specific original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have not been disclosed, Choi stated that mass production will begin once the ongoing discussions are finalized.

    Growing Adoption of Diverse Battery Chemistries

    The automotive industry is currently experiencing a surge in the adoption of various battery chemistries, including LFP. Manufacturers are striving to reduce costs and ensure a stable supply chain. This announcement from SK On provides the first detailed insight into its LFP battery strategy and outlines a timeline for mass production. Rivals LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI have also announced their plans to target mass production of LFP products in 2026.

    Focus on Energy Density and Efficiency

    SK On, a battery unit of South Korean energy group SK Innovation, is considering the possibility of manufacturing LFP batteries in Europe or China. Choi acknowledged the challenge of competing with Chinese LFPs on cost but emphasized that the company’s focus is on energy density, charging time, and efficiency rather than price alone.

    Concentration on European Market for LFP Batteries

    Although SK On has production facilities in the United States, South Korea, Hungary, and China, the company is not currently in talks with its U.S. automaker customers regarding LFP supply. Choi explained that the high cost of building LFP factories in the United States makes it less feasible. Instead, the company is primarily concentrating on the European market.

    Chinese Dominance in LFP Production

    Chinese battery manufacturers, such as CATL and BYD, currently dominate global LFP production. They benefit from strong demand in their home market. LFP batteries from Chinese manufacturers are approximately 20% cheaper than nickel-based alternatives, making them an economical option for EVs, although they may have slightly reduced range compared to nickel-based alternatives. SK On is also working on the development of prismatic and cylindrical-type EV batteries, with notable progress in the latter, which is used by Tesla and other automakers.

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