As the global automotive industry races to alleviate consumer concerns about battery range anxiety through fast-charging solutions, CATL and SAIC-GM are set to launch the world’s first 6C fast-charging lithium iron phosphate battery in 2024. Neil Beveridge, a senior analyst at Bernstein, noted that Chinese battery manufacturers are currently ahead of their South Korean counterparts in producing the fastest charging batteries.
China’s battery technology is transitioning from 4C to 6C. On September 25, SAIC-GM announced via its official WeChat account that it has partnered with CATL to introduce the industry’s first 6C ultra-fast charging lithium iron phosphate battery, which can add over 200 kilometers of range with just a 5-minute charge.
In battery terminology, “C” refers to the charging rate; thus, a 6C battery can be fully charged in one-sixth of an hour, or just 10 minutes. This new fast-charging battery utilizes lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, which is currently the most popular technology route for power batteries in China.
According to sources cited by Interface News, SAIC-GM and CATL are beginning preparations for mass production of this battery, with plans to equip a fully electric vehicle model next year. CATL will handle the production of the battery cells, while the assembly of the battery packs will be carried out at SAIC-GM’s Ultium Super Factory.
The Financial Times reports that many Asian battery manufacturers are focusing on fast-charging batteries. Andreas Breiter, co-head of McKinsey’s North American Center for Future Mobility, indicated that leading firms in the industry aim to recharge electric vehicles in about 5 minutes, making the charging experience comparable to refueling traditional gasoline cars.
Currently, Chinese manufacturers are leading the charge. In April, CATL launched the world’s first lithium iron phosphate battery, “Shenxing PLUS,” which balances a range of 1000 kilometers with 4C ultra-fast charging capabilities. This battery offers users an impressive range of up to 1000 kilometers and can recharge 600 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes, achieving a remarkable “1 second per kilometer” refueling speed.
Additionally, in May, Guoxuan High-Tech introduced its Starry Morning battery, utilizing its second-generation silicon-carbon materials and ultra-fast electrolyte. This battery pack can charge for 350 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes and 600 kilometers in 10 minutes.
