CATL is obviously still one step ahead in the battery world and is starting production of the Qilin with record energy density.
According to the Chinese press, CATL, the world leader in batteries, has just begun mass production of its Qilin batteries, whose incredible energy density can reach 1,000 km in one charge. These new airframes use the 4680 pack structure and will make their debut in the Zeekr 009 MPV.
CATL is the man to beat in the race to develop electric car batteries not only in China, where its headquarters are located, but also around the globe. Last February, the company again received the belt of world champion in terms of market share for the sixth consecutive year, winning 25% more than the second, which is LG Energy Solution.
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In June last year, CATL announced its third generation of cell-to-pack (CTP) technology Qilin battery cells that eliminate modules and use the 4680 pack structure popularized by automakers like Tesla. At the time, the developers promised an energy density of up to 255 Wh / kg allowing, after a preheating of 5 minutes, a fast charge from 10 to 80% in 10 minutes.
Then last August, following a five-year strategic cooperation agreement, we learned that CATL’s “classic” 4680 would already make its grand debut in the 009 minivan, the latest electric vehicle from the nascent Chinese brand Zeeker which will arrive this year in Europe. The first 009s began to roll off the production lines at the end of 2022, but customers who have agreed to wait should be able to benefit from a significantly improved range since the 009 will be the first vehicle in the world to benefit from Qilin in the next quarter. According to the first reports, the latter would offer 13% more capacity than the 4680 for the same volume, which would allow autonomy on the Chinese standard close to 1,000 km.
Other manufacturers have shown interest in these new batteries such as Li Auto and Lotus owned by Geely.
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