In a significant advancement for hybrid vehicle technology, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), China's leading battery manufacturer, announced the launch of its new Freevoy battery on Thursday in Beijing.
The Freevoy battery stands out as the world's first hybrid battery boasting a range of over 400 kilometers. Its superfast-charging capability allows drivers to add more than 280 kilometers of driving distance with just a 10-minute charge, according to Gao Huan, chief technology officer of CATL's China E-car Business.
Integrating both sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, Freevoy effectively overcomes the low-temperature challenges faced by new energy vehicles (NEVs). This innovation ensures that NEVs can operate reliably in extreme cold conditions, with discharging capabilities down to minus 40 degrees Celsius and recharging at minus 30 degrees Celsius.
The shift towards hybrid vehicles is gaining momentum among Chinese consumers, who appreciate the extended driving range and lower costs compared to gasoline-powered cars. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reveals that hybrid sales reached 3.32 million units in the first nine months of this year, marking an 84.2 percent increase year-on-year.
\"The penetration rate of hybrid vehicles in the NEV market reached 43 percent, which is a force that cannot be ignored in the electrification process,\" stated Luo Jian, CATL's chief marketing officer.
Freevoy has already been adopted by several Chinese EV manufacturers, including Li Auto and AVATR. Additionally, it is expected to be integrated into models from other prominent carmakers such as Geely and Chery.
Market research firm SNE Research reports that CATL has led the global EV battery market in consumption volume for seven consecutive years, capturing a 36.8 percent share in 2023.
Headquartered in Ningde, Fujian Province, CATL has secured supply contracts with a range of global automotive giants, including BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, and Honda, solidifying its position as a key player in the EV battery industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
