Leading companies CATL and BYD take the forefront in creating 6C batteries for electric vehicles.
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), companies are pushing the boundaries of charging technology to make EV ownership more convenient. Two major players, CALB and CATL, are leading the charge with their development of 5C and 6C charging batteries.
CALB is set to start mass producing its 46-series large cylindrical batteries supporting a 6C charging rate in the fourth quarter of 2024. This groundbreaking technology, while currently limited in practical appeal due to the scarcity of 5C charging stations, promises to revolutionise the EV charging experience.
The appeal of rapid charging is undeniable. A 1C battery takes about an hour to charge from 0-100%, while a 2C battery would charge twice as fast, achieving a full charge in 30 minutes. CALB's 6C technology would charge an EV up to 80% in just ten minutes.
CATL, another industry giant, is also jumping on the rapid charging bandwagon. The company plans to launch an EV battery with a 6C charging rate in the second half of 2024, following the success of its Shenxing battery, which is capable of reaching a 5C peak charging rate.
The Li Mega, one of the few EV models currently supporting 5C charging, requires a peak power of 520 kW for its 5C ultra-fast charging station, with an average power above 400 kW. To achieve 4C or even 5C charging rates, the charging power must exceed 360 kW, with 4C ultra-fast charging stations requiring a maximum power of 480 kW and a maximum charging current of 615A.
However, the infrastructure for such high-powered charging stations is still in its infancy. In Shenzhen, a key hub for new energy vehicles, there are only 15 ultra-fast charging stations with a 480 kW capacity, limiting the experience for users of cars supporting 4C or 5C charging rates.
To address this issue, Huawei plans to deploy over 100,000 fully liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging stations by 2024, with a maximum output of 600 kW and a maximum current of 600A. This ambitious plan could pave the way for a widespread adoption of rapid charging technology.
Meanwhile, companies are also focusing on improving the cooling systems of their batteries to handle the increased power and heat generated during rapid charging. CALB's Qilin battery, for instance, features a liquid cooling plate design that increases the cooling area of the battery pack fivefold, achieving a maximum cooling power of 16 kilowatts. BYD's fifth-generation DM system introduced a new generation of hybrid blade batteries with significant improvements in direct cooling systems.
As the race for rapid charging technology heats up, companies like Li Auto and Zeekr are in technical discussions with CATL about integrating their new products into their EV models for release in 2024. However, no publicly available information identifies specific companies working on the development of 6C charging stations.
The development of rapid charging technology is a significant step towards making EV ownership more accessible and convenient. As infrastructure improves and more companies jump on the bandwagon, we can expect to see rapid charging becoming a standard feature in EVs in the near future.
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