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CATL Debuts 3:44 Fast‑Charge LFP and Higher‑Density Packs, Plans 4,000 Charge‑Swap Sites

CATL is steering EV design toward short charging stops over bigger packs.

Overview

  • CATL showcased its third‑generation Shenxing battery, an LFP cell the company says can charge from 10% to 80% in 3 minutes 44 seconds and reach 98% from 20% in about 9 minutes at −30°C.
  • The firm claims Shenxing keeps at least 90% capacity after 1,000 fast‑charge cycles, citing low internal resistance and tight thermal control to limit heat during high‑power charging.
  • For longer range, CATL presented an NMC pack around 280 Wh/kg that it says could enable roughly 1,000 km with a ~625 kg battery, and a semi‑solid Condensed pack up to about 350–360 Wh/kg that targets up to ~1,500 km with a non‑flammable electrolyte and aerospace‑grade housing.
  • CATL acknowledges a trade‑off for Shenxing’s speed, reporting about 205 Wh/kg energy density and estimating a ~1,000 km pack would weigh ~880 kg versus ~625 kg for its NMC Qilin.
  • Scale plans include a network of 4,000 integrated fast‑charge and Choco‑Swap battery stations by end‑2026 and a sodium‑ion line that CATL says will reach true mass production in Q4 2026, though real‑world results will depend on automaker integration and independent testing.