CATL Introduces High-Energy-Density Battery, Potential Breakthrough for Electric Cars

The battery was introduced by the Chinese giant CATL in mid-April without much attention from the Czech media. According to the company, the impact on the battery market, but also on other areas connected with them, could be significant. All the more so when, unlike Tesla boss Elon Musk, CATL has so far fulfilled its goals and visions without major problems or delays.

And what makes the battery special? One kilogram of its weight can hold 500 watt-hours of energy, promises Wu Kai, head of CATL’s research team. For comparison: current accumulators do not even reach the level of 300 watt hours per kilogram.

Energy density is key for batteries intended for transport and is one of the most monitored parameters. This is because it reduces the weight of the means of transport, which also reduces its energy consumption, and at the same time indicates a lower production cost of the accumulator.

“The deployment of this advanced technology will break down the boundaries that have long limited the development of the battery sector. It will open a new stage of electrification focused on high safety and low weight,” CATL said in a statement.

CATL adds that it is already working with unnamed partners on the development of flying electric cars. “Currently, CATL is working with partners to develop electric passenger aircraft and conduct aviation-level standards and testing in accordance with aviation safety and quality requirements,” the battery maker said.

400 Wh/kg *with* high cycle life, produced in volume (not just a lab) is not far. Probably 3 to 4 years.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2020

In 2020, Musk said on Twitter that powered aircraft will become interesting when the energy density of storage exceeds 400 watt-hours per kilogram. At the time, he predicted that this could happen in three or four years.

According to official statements, the battery integrates several innovations at once, starting with the use of materials for the cathode and anode, a new separator solution and the manufacturing process of the entire battery. In addition to the already mentioned features, it should also enable faster charging.

The price, the materials used and, for example, the exact specification of the mentioned charging speed are still unknown. We also still don’t know when CATL is planning industrial deployment.

The Chinese battery maker, which will produce 37 percent of the world’s batteries for electric cars in 2022 and take an even bigger share of the stationary storage market, produced 289 gigawatt-hours of batteries last year.