BYD and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), are racing to develop and launch lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries that could potentially charge an electric vehicle (EV) from 0% to 100% in just 10 minutes.

According to CarNewsChina, both companies are working on next-generation batteries with a 6C charge rate, which would theoretically allow the batteries to be fully charged six times within an hour. Moreover, CATL is expected to debut its 6C-capable Qilin 2.0 battery by the end of 2024. This follows the company’s recent launch of the Shenxing battery, which boasts a 5C charge rate.

Notably, the Shenxing battery is implanted in the Zeekr 001, which can charge from 10% to 80% in just 11.5 minutes. As for BYD, the company is also reportedly working on its second-generation Blade 2.0 battery, which is aimed for a release in the second half of 2024 while expected to offer similar 6C charging capabilities.

As a result, these batteries with the ability to charge an EV’s battery from empty to full in just 10 minutes would represent a major breakthrough in addressing one of the most commonly cited concerns among potential EV buyers: range anxiety and the time required for charging compared to refueling a gas-powered vehicle.

Nevertheless, producing the full potential of these ultra-fast charging batteries will require noteworthy investment in charging infrastructure capable of providing the necessary power levels. For instance, a 6C battery with a 100 kWh capacity would require chargers capable of delivering over 650 kW of power, including losses. Interestingly, Huawei has already announced 600 kW DC fast chargers. In contrast, the majority of public charging stations currently available are rated at 120 kW or less.

Despite this, the race to develop and commercialize EV batteries with unprecedented charging speeds will present more innovative offerings in the EV industry.

As for CATL, the company has been running the forefront of innovative EV battery research where it recently revealed the world’s first Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery with 4C ultra-fast charging that can deliver 620 miles of range. For BYD and CATL, the successful launch of their respective 6C batteries could further solidify their positions as global leaders in the EV battery market.

As battery technology continues to advance, concerns over range anxiety and charging times could become increasingly obsolete, paving the way for EV adoption.

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