To promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among the general public, transitioning from early pioneer users to a broader user base, and to address the shifting demand focus from range to charging efficiency, the new product has been strategically positioned to facilitate rapid recharging for the convenience of the public. On August 16, 2023, CATL unveiled a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first lithium iron phosphate 4C superfast charging battery. This innovative technology enables a mere 10-minute charge to cover a remarkable distance of 800 miles (approximately 400 km). The superfast charging battery has evolved from being an exclusive feature for high-end users to becoming a standard component for electric vehicles. Anticipated for mass production by the close of 2023, the battery is projected to debut on the market in the first quarter of 2024.
The 4C superfast charging technology represents a comprehensive overhaul encompassing material composition, structural design, and system functionality. It introduces remarkable flexibility in anode modification and coating materials. A suite of technological breakthroughs, including the super-electronic network anode, the fast ion ring technology for modifying graphite surfaces, an ultra-high conductivity electrolyte formula, an ultra-thin SEI film, and a highly porous separator, forms the bedrock for achieving 4C supercharging capability. Central to this advancement is the recognition that the negative electrode plays a pivotal role in realizing rapid charging. The application of the fast ion ring technology to modify graphite surfaces, combined with a multi-gradient layered electrode design, strikes a harmonious balance between swift charging and optimal driving range. Additionally, the strategic use of diverse anode coating materials emerges as a pivotal avenue for enhancing the performance of superfast charging batteries.
Enabling high-voltage fast charging necessitates a comprehensive upgrade across battery technology, vehicle systems, charging infrastructure, and grid integration. Among these, the initial surge in adoption is anticipated to occur in battery technology and materials. We hold the view that superfast charging entails a technological threshold, which has traditionally been reserved for high-end models. CATL’s recent launch marks a pivotal shift, aiming to establish 4C superfast charging batteries as the new norm for mainstream models. High-voltage superfast charging represents the technological trajectory to alleviate consumer concerns about charging availability. The primary stride lies in the production of batteries and materials. This is the foundational phase, with an expected surge in adoption rates. Subsequent stages will prioritize the advancement of high-power charging infrastructure and the integration of 800V high-voltage vehicles.