Many carmakers believe that hybrids are the true answer to reducing internal combustion dependence against the likes of battery electric vehicles (BEV), and a new battery pack specifically for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) by tech firm CATL can now deliver up to 400 km of electric range, further strengthening that belief.
That’s a pretty remarkable figure by the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, especially given that it surpasses the range of some pure BEVs such as the Peugeot e-208.
The battery pack was designed for use in PHEVs, and ups the ante with increased charging capability and cold weather efficiency compared with current units. This allows the pack to provide PHEVs with a BEV-like experience.
It can operate in temperatures as low as -40°C and maintain charging functionality at -30°C. Full charging speeds can already be achieved at temperatures -20°C and up!
CATL says the battery will be launched next year with the first models deploying it being from Li Auto and Changan’s Avatr and Nevo brands. From there, other models will begin adopting it into their PHEVs.
Prior to this, CATL has developed two other battery packs specifically for BEVs with Tesla being its largest customer. It was also used in models by BMW, Ford, Volvo and MG.
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The extended range from its latest battery pack was achieved via the use of a sodium-lithium chemical compound to balance energy density to extract the maximum of 400 km. Nonetheless, the company has yet to reveal specifics such as the size or energy density.
Additionally, many believe the 400 km figure was calculated using the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle that is much more favourable in terms of the range. For comparisons sake, the current best electric-only range from a PHEV using the more common European WLTP cycle is a mere 150 km from the Polestar 1.
Improving the electric range from PHEVs has seen growing demand from the industry, and CATL aimed to meet that with its latest battery. It goes on to state that its “4C” fast-charging capability will give it 280 km of range from just 10 minutes of charging.
CATL goes on to share that the relatively small battery capacity in current PHEV models leads to frequent charging and resulting in reducing the overall lifespan of the battery operated in electric mode.
“Many hybrid drivers want to use more electricity and less fuel, but current models often prioritise the combustion engine. Our new battery addresses this by extending electric range and providing faster charging, while also performing well in extreme temperatures,” explained a CATL spokesperson.
