China’s largest battery makers are moving quickly to introduce a new generation of power packs for electric vehicles that, in some cases, don’t use controversial metals like cobalt.
There are two main players to watch in this new battery tech race:
- Battery major CATL’s new Qilin battery that uses so-called “Cell to Pack” technology (CTP).
- EV auto giant BYD’s relatively new Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery does not use cobalt.
What You Need to Know About China’s Battery Leaders:
- CTP: CATL’s third-generation CTP batteries are now ready for mass production. The key advantages of this new battery is that it’s both more affordable to manufacture and can travel longer (up to 1,000 kilometers.) CTP batteries come in both cobalt and cobalt-free versions. (CAR EXPERT)
- LFP: BYD’s Blade battery’s key differentiator is that it doesn’t use cobalt, bringing down the cost of the unit but also reducing its power and overall endurance. Already Tesla is using Blade batteries for the China editions of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Tesla is now reportedly planning to build Blade batteries at its Berlin Gigafactory. (ELECTREK)
