CATL, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries, recently released a video claiming that its new “Long-Service-Life” batteries can last up to 16 years or 2 million kilometers. Impressive figures that equate to over 4,000 complete charge and discharge cycles for a vehicle with a range of approximately 480 kilometers.
Unprecedented longevity
Many car manufacturers around the world already use CATL batteries, including Tesla, BYD, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen. However, CATL’s video does not detail the technical specifications that allow these batteries to achieve such longevity. However, CATL states on its website that the warranty on the batteries for passenger vehicles is eight years or approximately 800,000 kilometers. For commercial use, the CATL Tianxing brand also offers a similar warranty.
It is therefore likely that the 16-year or 2 million-kilometer claim represents a potential capacity rather than an absolute guarantee. However, some CATL battery models could reach this level under relatively good conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cyz5vXd-xY
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CATL mentioned several chemical technologies that contribute to the significant extension of the life of lithium-ion batteries. First, the “low lithium consumption” technology stabilizes the surface and structure of the anode materials. Second, a special film to prevent the appearance of undesirable structures has been adapted for the cathode electrode, called “FIC coating” technology. Third, a self-healing electrolyte can reverse some degradation within the solid-electrolyte (SEI) film. This electrolyte also has multiple layers to minimize degradation.
In addition to cell-level improvements, CATL has also developed mechanical solutions to extend battery longevity at the pack level. Battery electrodes thicken with use, leading to increased swelling stress. To address this issue, CATL has developed a flexible expansion force management system to minimize stress on the cells.
For comparison, the Model 3 and Model Y Long-Range batteries, likely based on NCA or NCM chemistries, show an average capacity degradation of 15% after 200,000 miles. Tesla offers an eight-year or approximately 120,000-mile warranty on these models.
If CATL’s claims are true, this new technology could represent a major leap forward in the sustainability and economic viability of electric vehicles. The ability to travel up to 2 million miles on a single battery could be a game-changer for consumers and automakers alike. The goal, as always, is to accelerate the adoption of electric cars.
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