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China’s largest electric vehicle battery maker, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), has unveiled a technological leap that could redefine global EV expectations. At its recent Tech Day in Shanghai, CATL launched the second generation of its Shenxing fast-charging EV battery. It can deliver a driving range of 520 km with just a five-minute charge.
This milestone, marked as a world-first, beats the records set by rivals like BYD (470 km in five minutes) and Tesla (320 km in fifteen minutes). With this innovation, CATL addresses one of the most significant concerns in the EV market, range anxiety.
But the five-minute charge is just part of the story.
From Fast-Charging EV Batteries to Sodium-Ion Power
In addition to the ultra-fast EV battery, CATL also announced Naxtra, a sodium-ion battery brand set for mass production by December. Sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction due to their affordability, safety, and abundance of materials.
CATL claims its second-generation sodium-ion battery will offer energy density close to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This is a remarkable feat for an emerging technology. With an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, these batteries are predicted to reshape the EV industry. They offer a lower-cost, safer alternative to lithium-based batteries.
Naxtra-powered vehicles are expected to offer:
- 200 km range for hybrid electric vehicles
- Up to 500 km range for fully electric vehicles
The sodium-ion technology could eventually replace up to half of LFP batteries, according to CATL’s founder Robin Zeng.
Cold-Weather Performance and Long-Distance Travel
CATL didn’t stop at speed and safety. It also tackled cold-weather charging, a long-standing obstacle in EV adoption. The Shenxing battery can charge from 0% to 80% in just 15 minutes at -10°C, a game-changer for colder regions where EVs traditionally struggle.
Moreover, CATL’s newly introduced dual-power battery architecture combines a fast-charging main cell with an auxiliary battery, potentially allowing a range of 1,500 km on a single charge.
This architecture mimics twin-engine aircraft systems for enhanced safety and could soon appear in electric cars, significantly reducing the need for frequent charging stops during long journeys.
CATL’s influence spans 66 countries and powers over 18 million vehicles worldwide. In 2025, over 67 new EV models will be equipped with Shenxing batteries.
As China’s exports of EVs continue to rise (from 1.5 million in 2021 to 4.7 million in 2024), CATL’s developments position it as a central player in a rapidly evolving global market.
