Tesla supplier CATL outs Condensed Battery for performance EVs and electric planes with record energy density

The ongoing Auto Show in Shanghai is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to announcements of new EV models, but CATL took the stage today to unveil its mystery Condensed Battery breakthrough. With up to 500 Wh/kg per single cell, it will be the battery with the highest energy density in mass production when it hits the conveyor belts later this year.

For comparison, Tesla's 4680 batteries in the Model Y boast sub-300 Wh/kg energy density, while CATL's M3P phosphate packs that may be used in the standard range Model Y are rated at 160 Wh/kg.

CATL used a variety of methods to get it to the record energy density, such as a "highly conductive biomimetic condensed state electrolyte" which it wove into dynamic net architecture on the micron level that can "adjust the interactive forces among the chains" to enhance lithium ion passthrough efficiency and the structure's stability way above the current thresholds.

Furthermore, CATL leveraged its experience in cathodes with "condensed" energy density from its ultrahigh nickel batteries, as well as new anode materials, separators, and a thoroughly overhauled production process, to achieve the 500 Wh/kg cell energy density "offering excellent charge and discharge performance as well as good safety performance."

For now, CATL is envisioning two versions of its Condensed Battery - one for electric planes and one for automotive applications. The condensed EV battery apparently already has a lineup of customers, as CATL mentioned it will be put in mass production as soon as this year.

CATL makes the LFP batteries for Tesla's standard range Model 3 and Model Y, and it will be interesting to see if Tesla would want it to produce condensed batteries for its performance EVs as well, since the cells have to be made in the US for the vehicles to qualify for federal tax credits.

As for the light, powerful, and efficient aviation battery, there are partners with which CATL is developing an electric plane whose cells will have to meet "aviation-level standards and testing in accordance with aviation-grade safety and quality requirements." This work will apparently take longer to master and the electric plane's condensed battery won't be entering mass production this year, except perhaps as a proof of concept and in engineering prototypes.

"The launch of condensed batteries will usher in an era of universal electrification of sea, land and air transportation, open up more possibilities of the development of the industry, and promote the achieving of the global carbon neutrality goals at an earlier date," said CATL.

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