China’s electric vehicle (EV) battery giant, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) at its Super Tech Day in Beijing on April 21, 2026, addressed nearly every major EV concern at once:
* more range,
* faster charging,
* lighter weight,
* stronger hybrid performance,
* larger-scale energy replenishment infrastructure.
CATL is the world’s largest EV battery maker, supplying 40% of the global EV battery sector, including the major international companies Tesla, Volkswagen and BMW, as well as 47% of the Chinese battery market, including BYD, NIO, Xpeng and Chery. The company’s technology is widely acknowledged as far superior to Western competitors.
At the Beijing Super Tech Day CATL launched six major battery products, spanning faster charging, higher energy density, sodium-ion chemistry, and expanded swap infrastructure.
Battery-swapping Platform
Alongside its new battery launches, CATL also used the day to announce a rapid expansion of the Choco-Swap ecosystem. In doing so CATL signalled that it is scaling its focus from major battery supplier to the provider of an energy infrastructure platform.
CATL’s energy platform plan extends beyond battery swapping alone, combining high-voltage packs, super fast charging, and vehicle-to-grid capability into a wider energy replenishment network.
Summary of New CATL EV Battery Tech
- Third-generation Shenxing battery can charge from 10% to 98% in 6 minutes and 27 seconds, and from 20% to 98% in around 9 minutes at −30°C.
- Third-generation Qilin 125 kWh pack battery is 255 kg lighter than a comparable LFP pack. Delivers 280 Wh/kg and 600 Wh/L, while 125 kWh pack weighs only 625 kg.
- Qilin Condensed battery enabling up to 1,500 km range in executive-class sedans with 350 Wh/kg and 760 Wh/L.
- Second-generation Freevoy NCM hybrid battery enabling 600 km of all-electric range and a combined range of 2,000 km.
- Naxtra sodium-ion battery retains 90% capacity at −40°C and is set to enter mass production in 2026.
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Sources:
- CNEVPOST, Apr 21, 2026. https://cnevpost.com/…/catl-unveils-new-battery…/
- Battery Tech Network, Apr 21, 2026. https://battery-tech.net/how-catls-2026-super-tech-day…/
- CNBC, Jun 27 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/…/china-battery-giant-catl-is…
Video Drive&rpm, May 1, 2026.
China has shattered the automotive world with the 2026 Chery 1,500km range EV, with CATL battery.
