China’s CATL unveiled on Monday its second-generation ultra-fast charging Shenxing battery, with double the capacity of its previous iteration.
The new battery supports peak charging at 12C and offers a total range of 800 km (500 miles). It can add up to 520 km (300 miles) of range with just a 5-minute charge, or 75 km (47 miles) in as little as 30 seconds.
At an event held in Shanghai, the world’s largest battery maker said the new system supports a 1.3 MW peak charge and handles 830 kW discharge at low battery.
The previous version, launched in 2023, was capable of delivering 400km (250 miles) of range on a 10-minute charge, with the brand claiming it was the world’s first lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to support 4C charging.
The battery supplier’s chief technology officer (CTO) Gao Huan stated that 67 new EV models will be equipped with second-gen Shenxing batteries this year without naming any examples.
However, at the launch event, the brand used the Avatr 07 as an example saying the new model is able to charge from 5 to 80% SoC in 15 min, even at -10ºC (14ºF).
Huan said there are currently over 18 million cars equipped with CATL batteries across more than 66 countries.
CATL Tech
The Ningde-based company has also introduced the Xiaoyao dual-core battery technology, featuring sodium-iron and iron-iron configurations. The system includes a driving range of 700 to 1,500km (430 to 930 miles) and fast charging.
CATL‘s dual-core architecture integrates high- and low-voltage systems alongside structural, safety, and thermal management components. It ensures optimal performance and reliability for Level 3 to Level 4 autonomous driving — similar to dual-engine aircraft systems.
The brand’s self-developed anode technology enhances battery density, with the company reporting volumetric energy densities of 350 Wh/L for sodium-ion, 680–780 Wh/L for LFP, and up to 1000 Wh/L for ternary lithium batteries.
Sodium-ion Batteries
The company’s sodium-ion batteries have an energy density of 175 Wh/kg and are fire- and explosion-proof under extreme conditions. These models will now be developed under the sub-brand Naxtra.
The batteries come in two variants, with mass production expected still this year. The 24V Heavy-Duty Truck Start-Stop Integrated Battery, set for mass production in June, enables one-click starting at -40°C and offers a lifespan of over eight years, with its first deployment in FAW Jiefang heavy-duty trucks.
Meanwhile, the PV Power Battery features 5C peak charging capability and is compatible with hybrid vehicles with ranges over 200 km and pure electric vehicles exceeding 500 km. Mass production is scheduled for December.
Both CATL and China giant BYD started developing sodium-ion batteries in 2021. CATL remains China’s top battery maker for electric cars, with over 40% market share, followed by BYD with nearly 25%. The company reported a net income of 13.96 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in the first quarter, up 32.85% year over year.
