Home » Business » CATL Unveils New Semi-Solid Battery Twice as Energy Dense as Current Models

CATL Unveils New Semi-Solid Battery Twice as Energy Dense as Current Models

Electric cars could soon become a bit more affordable again. The world’s largest battery manufacturer, the Chinese company CATL, has introduced a new semi-solid battery with condensed electrolyte, which, compared to today’s most advanced accumulators, has twice the energy density. The technology, which could also be suitable for propelling aircraft, is to go into production this year, he writes PV-magazine.

The technology introduced in mid-April may have a major impact not only on the battery market, but also on other related areas. Unlike the head of Tesla, Elon Musk, CATL is fulfilling its goals and visions without major problems and delays.

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 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.” said CATL in the statement. The firm also says it is already working with unnamed partners to develop passenger planes and flying electric cars.

In 2020, Musk said on Twitter that electric aircraft will become interesting at a time when the energy density of storage exceeds the 400 Wh/kg mark. 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 end production process. In addition to the already mentioned features, it should also enable faster charging.

The price, materials used and charging parameters 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.


2023-05-06 10:45:50
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