520km Range In 5 Minutes! China's CATL Breaks EV Charging Barrier With New Tech

China's CATL, the world's leading supplier of electric vehicle batteries, has unveiled its second-generation Shenxing battery, claiming it sets a "new global record for superfast charging technology." 

Five Minutes, 520 Kilometres

The core claim is impressive. The new Shenxing battery can add 520 kilometres of driving range from just five minutes plugged in. 

This speed is barely longer than the time it takes to refuel a traditional ICE car. 

Interestingly, this announcement puts CATL's charging speed ahead of Chinese rival BYD. BYD recently claimed around 400 km range could be added in five minutes, a figure met with some industry skepticism regarding feasibility and cost.

Outpacing the West

CATL's technology also significantly outpaces Western competitors. Tesla's latest Superchargers, for example, offer up to 270 km of range in 15 minutes. Mercedes-Benz recently stated one of its batteries can recharge up to 325 km within 10 minutes. 

The new Shenxing battery boasts a total range of 800 km on a full charge. CATL highlighted its strong performance even in low-temperature environments, down to -10°C, outperforming current industry standards.

Sodium-Ion Breakthrough

Beyond speed, CATL also introduced innovation in battery chemistry. The company revealed its Naxtra series, featuring sodium-ion batteries. CATL states these are the "world's first mass produced" sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. 

This represents a strategic move to reduce the EV industry's reliance on potentially volatile lithium supplies. Sodium-ion batteries are also cited for potential lower maintenance costs and the ability to perform effectively across extreme temperatures, from -40°C to +70°C. 

A specific Naxtra version is being developed for heavy-duty trucks, promising over eight years of service life, improved efficiency, and lower lifecycle costs compared to traditional lead-acid truck batteries.

These announcements from CATL signal a big push to overcome key barriers to wider EV adoption: charging speed and battery material costs. If these innovations prove viable on a large scale, they could fundamentally reshape the electric vehicle landscape and solidify CATL's dominant position in the global battery market.

Also read: Hyundai Unveils Next-Generation Hybrid System; Will Come In The Palisade First