CATL Introduces New Condensed Matter Battery Technology For Cars And Aircraft

During the Shanghai Auto Forum, CATL introduced new battery tech suitable for civil aircraft that could kickstart the electrification of air transportation. And as a leader in the global EV battery market, the company may be onto something here.

CATL says it’s a condensed matter battery, which is a type of semi-solid state battery with condensed electrolyte, a new type of anode and the separator materials are different too. The battery boasts 500Wh/kg density, which is quite impressive given that the current EV batteries don’t exceed 300Wh/kg.

The Chinese company is still working with partners to ensure the reliability and safety of the batteries, although it didn’t name any companies. An arguably more impressive part is that CATL is ready to start production of the said condensed matter batteries for EVs by the end of this year. So we might start seeing cars with semi-solid state batteries on the road as early as next year.

“As electrification extends from the land to the sky, aircraft will become cleaner and smarter,” wrote CATL. “The launch of condensed batteries will usher in an era of universal electrification of sea, land, and air transportation, open up more possibilities for the development of the industry, and promote the achieving of the global carbon neutrality goals at an earlier date.”

• Read More: GM To Phase Out Apple Carplay And Android Auto Tech From Their Cars