Summary
– Chinese battery suppliers are making EV batteries cheaper and faster
– BYD and CATL will release batteries supporting 6C fast charging this year
– C-rate determines the speed at which a battery can charge or discharge
– CATL has already launched a battery supporting 5C charging, available in some production vehicles
– DC fast chargers with at least 360 kW of power are needed to achieve 4C or 5C charging rates, with Huawei launching a 600 kW ultrafast EV charger. Li Auto plans to deploy 5,000 charging stations supporting 5C by 2025.
Article
Chinese battery suppliers BYD and CATL are planning to release electric vehicle (EV) batteries that support 6C fast charging, with BYD set to launch its Blade 2.0 battery in the second half of the year and CATL to release its Qilin 2.0 battery by the end of the year. Both batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and support a 6C charging rate, which is very speedy compared to traditional charging rates.
The C-rate of a battery indicates the speed at which it can charge or discharge based on the current divided by the battery’s capacity. CATL previously launched the Shenxing battery that supports 5C charging, already being used in at least one production vehicle, the Zeekr 001, claiming to add 472 km of range in 12 minutes. Li Auto’s Li Mega also features a CATL Qilin Battery with 5C charging, claiming to add 500 km of range in 12 minutes.
Achieving such rapid charging times requires DC fast chargers with significantly higher power output than those commonly used today. CarNewsChina notes that to achieve a 4C or 5C charging multiplier, at least 360 kW of power is required, whereas 120 kW is more common in China. Huawei has recently launched a 600 kW ultrafast EV charger, and Li Auto aims to deploy 5,000 charging stations supporting 5C charging by 2025.
The rapid development of technology in the Chinese battery market is enabling faster charging capabilities for EVs, with major players like BYD and CATL leading the way. These advancements are crucial for increasing the adoption of electric vehicles by addressing concerns about charging infrastructure and convenience. The deployment of high-powered DC fast chargers will be essential to support these new batteries and enable such fast charging rates.
While automakers continue to make claims about charging speed and range in their advertisements, the actual speed at which an EV can be charged depends on numerous factors. However, the introduction of batteries like the Blade 2.0 and Qilin 2.0 with 6C fast charging capabilities represents a significant step forward in the industry. Achieving Roadrunneresque charging times will require the development of infrastructure to support higher power outputs from charging stations.
Overall, the advancements in battery technology by Chinese suppliers are driving innovation in the electric vehicle market, making EVs more attractive to consumers. With the introduction of batteries supporting 6C fast charging rates, EV owners can look forward to significantly reduced charging times and increased convenience. The push for high-power DC fast chargers by companies like Huawei and Li Auto further demonstrates the commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
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