SAIC-GM and CATL present fast-charging LFP battery
It is said to be the first battery of its kind in the industry. Rumours that CATL and BYD were working independently on 6C batteries had already emerged in the summer of this year. In the case of CATL, it was reported that the market leader was researching the development of a 6C variant of its Qilin battery – which it would present in the second half of the year. That would fit in with the announcement that has now been made with car partner SAIC-GM.
The ‘C’ indicates the ratio of battery size to charging capacity. At 1C, an 80 kWh battery can be charged with a maximum of 80 kW. At 6C, the same battery can theoretically be charged with six times the charging power – i.e., up to 480 kW. The first Chinese electric cars are already available with 5C batteries, such as the Li Mega from Li Auto or the current version of the Zeekr 001, both of which have batteries from CATL on board.
Current reports state that the 6C battery could recharge over 200 kilometres or more in just five minutes. Theoretically, 6C would also mean that the battery could be fully charged in one-sixth of an hour (i.e., in ten minutes). Thus, the figure of 200 kilometres in five minutes is rather conservative.
According to the statement, which was picked up by the CN EV Post, the 6C battery will use “a number of fast-charging technologies in the battery field to improve the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, enhance charging efficiency, and guarantee stable battery performance.” That should also include a new electrolyte formulation.
It is not yet clear which specific models from SAIC-GM will sport the new 6C battery.
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