CATL launches condensed battery with an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg, enables electrification of passenger aircrafts

CATL made a ground-breaking debut of their latest battery technology, the condensed battery, at Auto Shanghai on April 19th. This cutting-edge battery technology boasts an impressive energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg, which can simultaneously ensure high energy density and safety, thus enabling the electrification of passenger aircrafts. Additionally, CATL can achieve mass production of condensed batteries in a short amount of time.

To address the changes in super high energy density materials caused by electrochemical reactions, CATL developed a self-adaptive net structure, utilizing highly conductive biomimetic condensed state electrolytes. This micron-level structure can adjust the interactive forces among the chains, improving cell conductivity, lithium-ion transportation efficiency, and boosting the stability of the microstructure. The condensed battery integrates a range of innovative technologies, such as ultra-high energy density cathode materials, innovative anode materials, separators, and manufacturing processes, offering excellent charge and discharge performance, as well as good safety performance.

The launch of the condensed battery represents a significant leap forward in the battery industry, breaking free from long-standing limitations and offering new scenarios of electrification, particularly focusing on high levels of safety and light weight. CATL is presently collaborating with partners in the development of electric passenger aircraft, adhering to aviation-grade safety and quality requirements. Furthermore, CATL plans to launch an automotive-grade version of the condensed battery, expected to go into mass production later this year.

Wu Kai, chief scientist of CATL, stated that "meeting customers' requirements is the core driving force that drives technological innovation for CATL." CATL currently holds the world's most extensive technology roadmap for batteries, with the ability to transition fundamental research into industrial applications and large-scale commercial production. For instance, in 2021, CATL released the first-generation sodium-ion battery with an energy density of 160 Wh/kg, which has already been installed on Chery Automobiles during the exhibition. In 2022, CATL revealed the Qilin battery with the world's highest integration efficiency, and it has already started mass production in March, being used on multiple high-end BEVs such as ZEEKR, AITO, and Li Auto.

As electrification progresses from land to sky, aircraft will become cleaner and smarter. The launch of the condensed battery will usher in an era of universal electrification of sea, land, and air transportation, opening up endless possibilities for industry development and accelerating the achievement of global carbon neutrality goals.

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