A major breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology has just been unveiled by CATL, the world’s largest battery producer and supplier to big names like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
At its 2025 Tech Day in Shanghai, CATL revealed the second-generation Shenxing battery—and the numbers are game-changing. This new battery can reportedly add 520km of range in just five minutes of charging. That’s 2.6km per second, which is not only faster than Tesla’s top charging speeds but also double the rapid charging rate recently announced by rival BYD.
What Makes This Tech Special?
- 🔋 Rapid Charging: 5–80% charge in just 15 minutes, even in temperatures as low as -10°C.
- 🌡️ Cold Weather Ready: Maintains charging efficiency in freezing conditions, addressing one of the biggest pain points of EV ownership.
- 🚘 Ultra-Long Range: Future dual-battery tech promises up to 1500km from a single charge, with production expected by 2027–28.
- 💰 Cost Reduction: New sodium-ion battery options will reduce reliance on lithium, cutting costs and improving safety in cold-weather and freight applications.
What About the 1500km Battery?
CATL also announced a dual-battery system capable of up to 1500km on a single charge. Unlike the Shenxing rapid-charging battery, this setup combines two different battery chemistries. One serves as the primary power source, and the other as an auxiliary pack for extended range. While it won’t charge as quickly, it still manages a 30–80% top-up in 30 minutes and comes with significant cost savings.
Sodium-Ion Batteries Are Coming Too
In a separate announcement, CATL confirmed it will start building sodium-ion batteries under the ‘Naxtra’ brand by December 2025. These batteries are cheaper, more stable, and better suited for extreme climates—ideal for use in heavy-duty freight trucks in regions like northern China and Mongolia. They could also eventually replace lead-acid and lithium batteries in hybrids and internal combustion vehicles.
What This Means for Australia
As EV uptake grows in Australia, faster charging and longer range are key to winning over drivers. This kind of tech makes owning an EV a whole lot more practical—even in rural areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
We don’t yet know which brands will use CATL’s new batteries first, but with Tesla, Hyundai, BMW and others on the customer list, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing these next-gen batteries in showrooms here
