CATL unveils battery that offers 520 km range after 5-minute charge

In a significant announcement from China, Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Ltd. (CATL), on April 22, 2025, introduced a new generation of electric vehicle batteries during a product showcase. This new battery, named the Shenxing, claims to provide an impressive 520 kilometers of driving range with just five minutes of charging, positioning CATL ahead of its competitor BYD, which recently announced a battery that adds about 400 km of range in the same amount of time. The new technology from CATL not only enhances the convenience of electric vehicle usage but also addresses consumer concerns regarding range anxiety, thus encouraging a more widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the Shenxing battery is notable for being the world's first lithium iron phosphate battery boasting an 800 km range along with a peak charging capability of 12C, proving functional even in low-temperature scenarios down to -10°C. Additionally, CATL expanded its portfolio with the introduction of sodium-ion batteries within its Naxtra series, marking a proactive step towards reducing the reliance on lithium in battery manufacturing. The Naxtra batteries are designed for heavy-duty vehicles with extended service life and maintenance benefits, operating effectively in extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40°C to +70°C. These innovations reflect CATL's commitment to increasing the sustainability and efficiency of their products in the electric vehicle market. The batteries developed by CATL power many of the world's leading automotive brands, emphasizing the company's vast influence in the global electric vehicle ecosystem. CATL's aggressive innovation strategy seeks not only to maintain its status as the world's largest EV battery supplier — a position it has held for eight consecutive years — but also to enhance its capabilities against competition from companies like Tesla and BYD. During the same period, CATL has also outlined its strategy to grow its global footprint, including plans for a secondary listing in Hong Kong. The reactions from industry experts are mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the feasibility and costs associated with rapid charging technology. Nonetheless, if successful, CATL's advancements could pivot the future of the electric vehicle industry toward greater accessibility and environmental responsibility. With growing apprehension about traditional combustion engines and a push for cleaner technologies, innovations like CATL’s new battery technology could fundamentally reshape how consumers and manufacturers approach electric vehicles in the coming years.