CATL launches its new Qilin CTP 3.0 battery
On June 23, CATL launched Qilin CTP 3.0, the third generation of its CTP (cell-to-pack) technology. With a record utilization efficiency of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg, the Chinese manufacturer achieves the highest level of integration in the world to date, capable of delivering a range of over 1000 km. in a very short time.
By way of comparison, at present, the autonomy of electric cars is rather around 700 km for a capacity of 100 kWh.
The first generation of this type of battery, which arrived in 2019, only amounted to 50%.
$6.7 billion for the project
The company announced on Wednesday that it had raised 45 billion yuan ($6.7 billion) in a private equity placement. Proceeds from the operation are earmarked for producing and upgrading lithium-ion battery manufacturing in four Chinese cities, as well as research and development.
Quick Charge Capabilities
The battery would have fast charging capabilities and would be able to fill the accumulator from 10 to 80% in just ten minutes. According to Bloomberg, it is 13% more powerful than expected by Tesla, a major customer.
Note however that in practice, these 10 minutes of charging will be difficult to achieve at first on the Old Continent. Indeed, current European charging architectures cannot offer this performance.
Energy density up to 255 Wh/kg
In other capacities, the battery has an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. Giving it the highest level of integration in the world. An advantage offered by its Cell to Pack (CTP) characteristics, which also simplify its manufacture and contribute to reducing costs.
The higher the energy density, the lower the volume of the batteries, a strategic element for electric vehicles.
Security advantages
In terms of safety (understand limitation of fire risks), optimized composition of materials, thermal insulation and flame retardant technology will guarantee its reliability. This makes the battery compatible with materials of higher energy density. In extreme conditions, the cell will be able to cool down quickly.
Several manufacturers would be in the running
If rumors are to be believed, Tesla, Ford, Volkswagen Group and Mercedes could benefit from these batteries.
CATL also said it will supply next-generation cylindrical cells to BMW from 2025, ensuring high performance for a new family of electric vehicles from the German automaker. However, it is not clear whether this refers to a product not yet placed on the market.
Note that CATL sold the equivalent of 41.4 GWh of batteries during the first four months of the year alone, ahead of LG Energy Solution, which came close to 20 GWh. In addition, the Chinese giant is trying in parallel to consolidate its position in the United States, where it would be very close to launching the local production of batteries for electric cars. This would be a new maneuver to maintain its increasingly coveted leadership position.
Our opinion, by leblogauto.com
CATL has made many efforts over the past few months to find a way to maintain the leading role in the EV battery industry, which has been challenged by many other companies in the industry, both foreign and domestic, such as BYD, which will start soon to deliver batteries to Tesla.
to summarize
Chinese CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology), the world’s largest manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles, has just presented its new Qilin CTP 3.0 battery this week. Which allows electric cars to travel longer distances with each charge. Production is expected to start next year.
