China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery producer, has unveiled the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, paving the way for an advanced hybrid car range.
The innovation offers a smoother, more efficient driving experience closer to that of a full EV, according to a press release published by the company on Thursday.
“World’s first” hybrid vehicle battery can “achieve a pure electric range of over 400 kilometers [250 miles] and 4C superfast charging, heralding a new era for high-capacity EREV [extended range electric vehicles] and PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicles] batteries,” said the press release.
CATL claims the new 4C ultra-fast charging technology in the Freevoy battery gives drivers over 280 kilometers (175 miles) of coverage on 10 minutes of charging, eliminating range anxiety in PHEVs.
Compared to previous PHEV batteries, the new upgraded system increases energy performance by 20%.
Technology behind Freevoy
When combined with specialized high-voltage electrolytes, the battery uses a unique surface alteration technology on the cathode material to create a nano-protective layer that boosts sustainability and effectiveness.
This development supports the seamless conveyance of lithium-ion, allowing for faster charging and greater range than previously imagined or achieved, per Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business, who shared exciting details about the battery’s innovative features during the launch event.
Thanks to CATL’s integration of a high-precision battery management system (BMS), which increases the state of charge accuracy by 40%, the battery could attain a consistent all-electric range.
Huan claims that these features give PHEVs a potent option that lessens reliance on fuel and enables drivers to commute mostly on electricity.
Pushing hybrid EV power
The Freevoy also uses CATL’s sodium-ion battery technology, which overcomes new energy vehicles’ low-temperature operational restrictions.
“It [the battery] achieves discharge capability in extreme cold environments down to -40 degrees Celsius, charging capability down to -30 degrees Celsius,” stated the press release.
“And, maintains a seamless driving experience down to -20 degrees Celsius comparable to normal temperatures.”
The Chinese battery giant has implemented three significant technological advances based on sodium-ion battery technology “to further improve the low-temperature performance of the Freevoy.”
Is Freevoy answer to EV problems
CATL’s Freevoy is already being used by several automakers, including Li Auto, AVATR, and Changan, which plan to introduce more hybrid models by 2030.
And with major automakers like Geely, Chery, and GAC expressing interest in adding Freevoy tech, CATL claims its battery lineup is helping the world move closer to a future where EVs will predominate.
CATL remains a leading player in the EV sector, leveraging its scale and technology from China. It has a global market share of 37.1%.
Meanwhile, the battery industry worldwide has been plagued by complaints of an unsatisfactory electric experience, range anxiety, slow charging, sluggish performance in cold temperatures, and more.
However, CATL aims to change that with the innovation of Freevoy technology. The company doesn’t shy away from calling the launch of Freevoy a “milestone” for the EV battery industry.
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