China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest producer of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has unveiled the Freevoy super hybrid battery, paving the way for a range of advanced hybrid cars.
The innovation provides a smoother and more efficient driving experience, closer to that of a full electric vehicle, according to a press release issued by the company on Thursday.
The world’s “first” hybrid vehicle battery can “achieve a pure electric range of more than 400 kilometers” [250 miles] and 4C ultra-fast charging, heralding a new era for high-capacity EREVs [extended range electric vehicles] and PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicles] batteries,” the press release states.
CATL claims that the Freevoy battery’s new 4C ultra-fast charging technology gives drivers more than 280 kilometers (175 miles) of coverage in 10 minutes of charging, eliminating range anxiety in PHEVs.
Compared to previous PHEV batteries, the new improved system increases energy performance by 20%.
The 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 improves durability and efficiency.
This development supports the seamless transportation of lithium-ion, enabling faster charging and greater range than previously imagined or achieved, according to Gao Huan, technical director of China’s electric car business. CATL, 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 was able to achieve a consistent all-electric range.
Huan says these features give PHEVs a powerful option that reduces reliance on fuel and allows drivers to move primarily on electricity.
Pushing the Power of Hybrid Electric Vehicles
The Freevoy also uses CATL’s sodium-ion battery technology, which overcomes the low-temperature operational restrictions of new energy vehicles.
“He [the battery] achieves discharge capacity in extremely cold environments down to -40 degrees Celsius, and charging capacity down to -30 degrees Celsius,” the press release states.
“And maintains a smooth driving experience down to -20 degrees Celsius, comparable to normal temperatures.”
The Chinese battery giant has implemented three significant technological advancements based on sodium-ion battery technology “to further improve the low temperature performance of the Freevoy”.
Is Freevoy the answer to electric vehicle problems?
CATL’s Freevoy is already used by several automakers, including Li Auto, AVATR and Changan, which plan to introduce more hybrid models by 2030.
And while major automakers like Geely, Chery and GAC express interest in adding Freevoy technology, CATL says its battery line helps move the world closer to a future where electric vehicles predominate.
CATL remains a major player in the electric vehicle sector, leveraging its size and Chinese technology. Its global market share is 37.1%.
Meanwhile, the global battery industry is plagued by complaints about an unsatisfactory electric experience, range anxiety, slow charging, slow performance in cold weather, and much more.
However, CATL aims to change this with the innovation of Freevoy technology. The company does not hesitate to call the launch of Freevoy a “milestone” for the electric vehicle battery industry.
