CATL, the world’s largest supplier of electric vehicle batteries, has launched a powerful new battery that can give your EV a range of 520 km with just 5 minutes of charging.
What is the Shenxing Second-Generation Battery?
The newly released battery is called the Shenxing Second Generation. According to CATL, it uses “super fast charging” technology that can deliver an incredible range in a very short time—just a few seconds more than it takes to refuel a petrol car.
Faster Than the Competition
This new technology gives CATL an edge over its rivals. A few weeks ago, Chinese company BYD introduced a battery that delivers 400 km of range in 5 minutes, but many experts had concerns about the cost and technical challenges.
Beating Tesla and Mercedes?
Yes, even industry giants like Tesla and Mercedes are behind in this race. Tesla’s Supercharger takes 15 minutes to charge for a 270 km range, while Mercedes’ battery takes 10 minutes for 325 km. CATL’s battery easily outperforms them both.
Strong Performance in Cold Weather Too
The Shenxing battery can offer up to 800 km of maximum range and supports a peak charging power of 1.3 megawatts. What’s more impressive? It works smoothly even in -10°C cold temperatures, maintaining high-speed charging.
CATL Also Launches Sodium-Ion Battery Under ‘Naxtra’ Series
CATL has also launched a new sodium-ion battery under its ‘Naxtra’ series. It’s the first commercial sodium-ion battery in the world. This battery reduces the need for lithium, has low maintenance costs, and can operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C.
Built for Heavy Vehicles – Long Life and Lower Cost
The Naxtra battery is specially designed for heavy-duty vehicles. It promises up to eight years of service, lower cost, and better performance, making it ideal for industrial use.
CATL’s Stock Price Rises After Announcement
Following the announcement, CATL’s stock price on the Chinese stock market rose by about 1%. The company has also applied for a stock listing in Hong Kong, aiming to raise at least $5 billion. If successful, it could become Hong Kong’s biggest IPO since 2021.