Exceptional energy density of over 500 Wh/kg signed CATL
Today's batteries and solid electrolytes: what's the situation?
CATL's breakthrough with its new battery lithium-metal, with a energy density greater than 500 Wh/kgmarks a historic milestone in the battery industry. For professionals in the sector, this figure is not insignificant: it represents around twice the density achieved by the highest-performance lithium-ion batteries currently on the market, which are generally limited to between 300 and 350 Wh/kg. This breakthrough opens up unprecedented prospects for both the automotive and aeronautical industries, where the weight and complexity of the components are becoming increasingly important.autonomy are major drivers of competitiveness.
By way of comparison solid electrolyte batteriesoften heralded as the next great revolution, also promise high densities. Some prototypes, such as those from QuantumScapeare as high as 500 Wh/kg, while offering ultra-fast charge times (up to 80 % in 15 minutes), or BYD with its new battery promising to recover 300 km in 5 minutes.
However, the large-scale marketing of these technologies is still hampered by :
- production challenges,
- still high costs
- and stability issues (dendrite formation, sensitivity to humidity, etc.).
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Direct impact on the range and weight of electric vehicles
With such a high density, the electric vehicles equipped with this technology could see their range increase to double on a single chargeaccording to Chinese homologation standards. This represents a paradigm shift for electric mobility, in particular for professional fleets, long-distance vehicles and even the most demanding vehicles. electric vanswhere autonomy remains a decisive criterion.
For example, a electric city car as the Peugeot e-208equipped with a new-generation battery, could see its range double without increasing the volume of the battery packor maintain the same range while significantly reducing its weight.
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On the other side, the weight reduction is another major advantage. By offering the same energy capacity in a reduced volume and weight, CATL enables manufacturers to rethink vehicle architecture, optimise energy efficiency and improve dynamic performance.
For a electric saloon or a Electric SUVThis translates into better accelerationa optimised road holding and a reduced electricity consumption.
Double the lifespan thanks to electrolytic innovation: the promise of the world's leading battery manufacturer
Classic problems with lithium metal batteries: dendrites and corrosion
One of the historical challenges of lithium-metal batteries lies in their limited lifespanThis is mainly due to the formation of dendrites and internal corrosion. Dendrites, the microscopic structures that develop during charging and discharging cycles, can cause :
- short circuits,
- accelerate its ageing process,
- and reduce battery capacity.
In addition, the corrosion of internal componentsoften linked to the instability of the electrolyte, also contributes to the premature cell degradation.
New electrolytic formulation and optimisation of LiFSI salt
CATL has risen to this challenge by rethinking the formulation of the electrolyte, the keystone of this new generation of batteries. Thanks to advanced analytical techniquesIn addition, the engineers were able to monitor in real time the evolution of the active lithium and of each electrolytic component throughout the battery's life cycle. This approach made it possible to identify a critical factor: the continuous consumption of LiFSI salt (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide), responsible for the failure of lithium-metal cells (which will be consumed up to 71 % at end of life).
Indeed, with this new battery, CATL claims that there is "new, hitherto unexplored territory in electrolytic strategy".
Prototype results: 483 cycles and increased durability
To remedy this, CATL has developed a new electrolytic formulationoptimised with a lower molecular weight diluent. This innovation makes it possible toincrease the mass of LiFSI salt available andimprove ionic conductivityThis limits the formation of dendrites and corrosion.
The concrete result: CATL's prototype lithium-metal batteries have already proved their robustness, withstanding up to 483 charge and discharge cycles, double the lifespan of previous generations. This strategic innovation is the result of a rigorous scientific approach and massive investment in R&D (more than $2.5 billion by 2024).
CATL is not alone in exploring this avenue of innovation, with other major players such as LG Energy Solution and KAIST are also working on innovative electrolytic formulations, a sign that this area is now at the heart of global technological competition.
Technological and industrial challenges
From prototype to mass production
Naturally, the record energy density of 500 Wh/kg means that there are a number of requirements to be met. new requirements at every stage of the production chain.
CATL has already launched the production of 20 Ah cell samplesThis is the culmination of 10 years of research and optimisation of industrial processes. But to move on to large-scale production, it will be necessary to adapt production lines, controlling the purity of materials and guarantee perfect cell homogeneityThis is an essential criterion for ensuring the safety and longevity of batteries.
What's more, the mass production of these ultra-dense batteries will require the creation of new dedicated linesCATL's products are designed to meet safety and quality requirements, particularly for high-end aeronautical and automotive applications. CATL already works with partners in the aeronautics sector to validate the robustness of its airframes to aviation standards, a guarantee of reliability for the entire industry.
That said, CATL is now aiming for a on the market from 2027This accelerates the original timetable of 2030. This ambition is accompanied by increased competition, with giants such as BYD, Toyota, LG or Samsung who are developing their own high-density solutions.
Global competition and parallel innovations
The global battery market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven by the energy transition and the explosion in demand for electric vehicles. While CATL is currently the undisputed leader, with nearly 38.2 % market share by early 2025Competition is intensifying on an international scale, with each player seeking to capture a share of the future of high energy density batteries.
Major advances on every continent
In the United States, Amprius Technologies recently marketed a lithium-silicon anode battery that also reached the symbolic 500 Wh/kg mark, thanks to the use of silicon nanowires that limit swelling and cracking. In South Korea, LG Energy Solution is working with KAIST to develop innovative liquid electrolytes suitable for lithium metal anodes, while SES AI Corporation and QuantumScape are banking on hybrid architectures and solid electrolytes to push back the limits of density and safety.
Europe is no exception, with groups such as Volkswagen and Blue Solutions who are investing massively in solid electrolyte or polymer batteries, even if their energy density remains lower than that of CATL prototypes for the time being. This diversity of technical approaches reflects a global race in which every innovation can reshuffle the deck.
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Differentiating strategies
What sets CATL apart is its ability to rapidly transform fundamental research into industrial productsbut also its focus on managing electrolytic salt concentrationwhich has been identified as the main factor limiting the lifespan of lithium-metal batteries. Where other players focus on optimising solvation structures or finding solid electrolytes, CATL adopts a systemic approach, integrating computational modelling and accelerated experimental validation.
Parallel and disruptive innovations
Competition is not limited to energy density. As previously mentioned, BYD recently presented a battery capable of adding 300 km of range in just 5 minutes of chargingthanks to a 10C charge multiplier.
CATL, for its part, has unveiled sodium-ion batteries (Naxtra) which, although less dense (175 Wh/kg), promise more 520 km charged in 5 minutes and 1,500 km range as well as extreme robustness in a wide range of climatic conditions, paving the way for mass-market applications from the end of 2025.
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Conclusion: a new era for electric mobility
CATL's new battery is more than just yet another technological innovation: it redefines the boundaries of electric mobility and opens the way to previously inaccessible applications in the automotive, aeronautical and professional transport sectors. This breakthrough, the fruit of 10 years of research and unique industrial expertise, places the Chinese leader at the heart of global competition and accelerates the transition to ever more efficient, lightweight and sustainable vehicles.
For professionals and private individuals alike, the challenge is no longer simply one of autonomy or recharging speed, but of being able to choose solutions that are reliable, scalable and tailored to their specific needs. It is in this context that Beev is positioning itself as a key player, helping companies to select, integrate and optimise these new technologies, Beev facilitates the energy transition while maximising return on investment.
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