China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the largest global producer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has introduced a new, upgraded battery that it claims offers a longer range than rival BYD’s latest technology. Both companies now feature batteries capable of charging EVs in as little as five minutes. However, CATL raised the bar by unveiling its Shenxing battery, which boasts a range of 320 miles, about 70 miles more than BYD’s battery, which offers a 250-mile range. In comparison, Tesla’s Superchargers provide just 200 miles of range after a 15-minute charge.
During the company’s Tech Day event in Shanghai, CATL’s Chief Technology Officer Gao Huan stated, “Once again, we are pushing the boundaries of performance beyond limits.” He added, “Our goal is to make the CATL Shenxing supercharging battery the standard for electric vehicles, bringing users a more convenient and freer travel experience.”
This announcement comes just a month after BYD’s own game-changing launch in the EV sector, highlighting the fierce competition within China’s rapidly growing EV market, which drives constant innovation at competitive prices.
The new Shenxing battery, which has a full capacity of 500 miles, was launched alongside another breakthrough: a sodium-ion battery called Naxtra. CATL claims the Naxtra battery offers a safer and more affordable alternative to traditional lithium and lead-acid batteries.
CATL, which supplies batteries to several major car brands including Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford, has maintained its position as the world’s largest electric battery supplier for eight consecutive years. In 2024, the company held a 38% global market share, with BYD following at 17.2%. By late last year, CATL’s batteries powered about 17 million vehicles, or one in every three EVs worldwide. In February, the company filed for a secondary listing in Hong Kong as part of its strategy to expand its global presence.
Gao also emphasized that the Shenxing battery will be used in over 67 electric vehicle models this year, though he did not specify the models. He noted that the battery performs well even in extremely cold weather, offering an 80% charge from 5% in just 15 minutes, even in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).
CATL also introduced the Naxtra battery, which benefits from the relative abundance of sodium, making it a lower-cost option. The company highlighted its enhanced safety and stability, with a lower risk of explosions or fires in collisions compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Naxtra batteries offer a range of up to 310 miles per charge and are expected to begin mass production by the end of the year.
Despite the tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Chinese goods, including automotive products, CATL stated that these tariffs would have minimal impact on its business in the U.S., as American sales account for a small portion of its overall shipments. The company also noted that it has developed contingency plans and is working with clients to negotiate solutions to mitigate any potential impact.
