CATL Launches Second-Generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery: 800 km Range with Extreme Temperature Fast Charging
On April 21, CATL, the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer, unveiled its second-generation Shenxing superfast charging battery at the inaugural “Super Tech Day” in Shanghai. The new battery delivers a powerful combination of ultra-long range and ultra-fast charging: up to 800 km range, 12C peak charging rate, and the ability to charge 520 km of range in just 5 minutes using a megawatt-level charger. Additionally, it can charge from 5% to 80% SOC in just 15 minutes even at -10°C.
CATL also introduced its new “Xiaoyao Dual-Core Architecture” and breakthrough “Self-Generated Anode” technology to improve battery energy density and safety, along with its next-generation sodium-ion battery—Naxtra—slated for mass production by December this year. These innovations mark CATL’s full-spectrum progress in diverse battery technologies.
Catalog
1. Event Overview
The inaugural “Super Tech Day” in Shanghai served as a launchpad for CATL’s latest advancements and long-term R&D vision.
The event highlighted three major technologies: the second-generation Shenxing superfast charging battery, the Xiaoyao dual-core architecture, and the Naxtra sodium-ion battery—showcasing CATL’s continuous leadership in new energy innovation.
2. Shenxing 2.0: Key Highlights
1) 800 km Range with 12C Ultra-Fast Charging
Based on enhanced LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry, the second-generation Shenxing battery boosts single-pack range to 800 km—a 20% increase over the previous generation.
When used with a megawatt-level charging pile, it can recharge 520 km range in just 5 minutes (12C peak rate), delivering over 300% faster charge efficiency compared to mainstream 4C fast-charging solutions.
2) Extreme Temperature Charging Capability
The battery shatters previous limitations in cold-weather performance, allowing fast charging from 5% to 80% SOC in only 15 minutes at -10°C.
It also maintains a peak power output of 830 kW in -10°C low-SOC conditions—ideal for EV drivers in frigid climates.
3. Xiaoyao Dual-Core Architecture: Two Independent Energy Zones
1) A Revolutionary Battery System
For the first time, CATL introduces an “aircraft-grade” dual-core structure into battery packs, integrating five levels of dual redundancy—high-voltage, low-voltage, structural, thermal management, and thermal runaway prevention.
When one energy zone fails, the BMS performs millisecond-level physical and electrical isolation and reconfigures the topology, ensuring the vehicle continues to run seamlessly.
2) Self-Generated Anode Technology
This breakthrough innovation works at the atomic level to significantly enhance energy density—up to 60% increase in volumetric energy density and 50% in gravimetric energy density.
It supports various cathode chemistries like NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) and LFP. When combined with high-nickel cathodes, it can exceed 1000 Wh/L volumetric density.
3) Intelligent Energy Switching
The Xiaoyao architecture supports dynamic switching between two energy zones: one optimized for daily commuting and the other for long-distance travel. This “electric-electric range extension” strategy balances range and performance intelligently, adapting to real-time driving behavior.
4. Compatibility and Platform Flexibility
Shenxing 2.0 is compatible with all current megawatt-level charging infrastructure and supports dynamic switching between 4C and 12C fast charging.
Its modular design allows quick integration across multiple vehicle platforms and supports seamless transition to future technologies like solid-state batteries.
5. Naxtra Sodium-Ion Battery: Low Cost, High Safety
1) Introduction and Production Plan
CATL unveiled the Naxtra sodium-ion battery brand at the event. Its passenger EV version delivers 175 Wh/kg energy density, and is scheduled for mass production by December 2025.
Initial applications will include battery swapping and compact passenger vehicles.
2) Thermal Stability and Extreme Cold Performance
The Naxtra battery comes with an internal firewall design and has passed rigorous abuse tests (drilling, puncture, crushing, cutting) without catching fire or exploding.
It maintains over 90% usable capacity at -40°C—resolving the lithium-ion battery’s cold-weather degradation problem.
3) Cycle Life and Material Advantage
Naxtra’s cycle life exceeds 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. With sodium being 400 times more abundant in Earth’s crust than lithium, it presents a lower-cost, more sustainable alternative for battery production—potentially reshaping the global battery material supply chain.
6. Market Impact and Future Outlook
Following the release, CATL’s stock price rose over 2%, reflecting strong market confidence in its technology roadmap.
According to Reuters, over 67 new energy vehicle models are scheduled to adopt the second-generation Shenxing battery in 2025, with plans for global rollout.
However, trade restrictions and high tariffs still limit CATL’s short-term market access in the U.S., and the company’s 2024 net profit growth slowed to 15%—its lowest in six years—due to intensifying competition and pricing pressure.
Mass production and successful scaling of the Shenxing 2.0 and Naxtra technologies will be a crucial test of CATL’s industrialization capability.
7. Conclusion & Business Opportunities
As a Chinese exporter of new energy vehicles, we believe the launch of CATL’s second-generation Shenxing battery and Naxtra sodium-ion technology will address the key concerns of international clients—such as range anxiety and charging limitations—and further accelerate the global transition to electric mobility.
For technical details or partnership opportunities, feel free to contact us. Let’s drive toward a greener future together.
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