Last month, CATL launched its condensed battery technology at Auto Shanghai that opens up the possibility of electrification of passenger aircrafts.
The Chinese battery manufacturer says the battery has an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg and can achieve high energy density and a high level of safety at the same time. The company adds it mass produce the condensed battery in a short period of time.
To address the changes of the super high energy density materials resulting from electrochemical reactions, CATL’s condensed battery leverages highly conductive biomimetic condensed state electrolytes to construct a micron-level self-adaptive net structure that can adjust the interactive forces among the chains. This improves the conductive performance of the cells and in turn the efficiency of lithium ion transporting while boosting stability of the microstructure.
According to CATL, condensed battery integrates a range of innovative technologies, including the 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 this battery technology breaks the limits that have long restricted the development of the battery sector and will open up a new scenario of electrification centring on high level of safety and light weight.
CATL says it is working with partners in the development of electric passenger aircrafts and practicing aviation-level standards and testing in accordance with aviation-grade safety and quality requirements. In addition, CATL says it will also launch the automotive-grade version of condensed batteries, which are expected to be put into mass production within this year.
“Meeting customers’ requirements is the core driving force that drives technological innovation for CATL,” said Wu Kai, chief scientist of CATL. Currently CATL has the world’s most extensive technology roadmap for batteries, and has developed the capability to turn fundamental research to industrial application, and then to large-scale commercial applications.
In 2021, CATL rolled out the first generation of sodium-ion battery with an energy density of 160 Wh/kg, which was launched on Chery Automobile during this exhibition. In 2022, CATL unveiled Qilin battery with the highest integration efficiency in the world, and it has started mass production this March. They have been used on multiple high-end BEVs such as ZEEKR, AITO and Li Auto.
As electrification extends from the land to the sky, aircrafts will become cleaner and smarter. The launch of condensed batteries will usher in an era of universal electrification of sea, land and air transportation, open up more possibilities of the development of the industry, and promote the achieving of the global carbon neutrality goals at an earlier date.
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