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400km in 10 minutes? New fast-charging EV batteries due in 2024

The world’s largest EV battery supplier has announced a new LFP battery. Is this the closest ‘official’ hint of an imminent Model 3 update launch to date?

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Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has announced a new lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack – and it’ll likely be featured on the 2024 Tesla Model 3 update.

Snapshot

  • CATL announces long range, fast-charging LFP battery
  • Reportedly feature on 2024 Model 3 refresh
  • Unconfirmed rumours suggest imminent release within weeks

The new ‘Shenxing’ LFP battery is capable of ‘4C superfast charging’ to deliver 400 kilometres of driving range in 10 minutes on a compatible station, with more than 700km claimed range on a full charge.

Compared to traditional lithium-ion packs, LFP cathodes typically charge slower and are more sensitive to lower temperatures – but last longer and are thermally safer.

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CATL, which currently supplies electric vehicle batteries for the Chinese-made Tesla Model 3 RWD sedan, claims the new battery extracts and transmits lithium ions faster with more insertion channels in a shorter distance to result in faster charging.

At room temperature, the EV battery giant claims it can recharge from empty to 80 per cent in 10 minutes. In low -10 degrees Celsius conditions, it’ll take 30 minutes.

There’s also an upgraded electrolyte and separator with a new coating to ensure safe operation.

Destined for the 2024 Model 3 update?

CATL will start mass production of the new 'Shenxing’ LFP battery by the end of this year – as rumours suggest an imminent launch for the long-rumoured project ‘Highland' Tesla Model 3.

Tesla leaker Chris Zheng [↗] believes the new 2024 Model 3 sedan has already started mass production in the Shanghai factory (where Australian-bound Teslas are made) and local Chinese media [via CnEVPost ↗] reported it may go on sale in China as soon as this month.

As seen below, this new CATL LFP battery (previously codenamed ‘M3P') will reportedly feature on higher-end Model 3 variants.

Currently, only the base rear-wheel drive (RWD) uses an LFP cathode which provides up to 491km claimed WLTP range and maximum 170kW DC charging capability.

Meanwhile, the current Long Range and Performance adopt the more energy-dense nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion type for a 602km claimed range on the former and 250kW DC peak charging.

The Tesla Model Y electric SUV twin is rumoured to follow with a similar update, albeit a year later.

Our original story continues unchanged below.


April 1, 2023: New battery could give Model 3 700km range

Snapshot

  • Major battery supplier suggests new Model 3 Performance battery
  • Up to 700km range suggested, higher energy density, new cheaper materials
  • Unclear for Model 3 Long Range and Model Y SUV

Top spec 2024 Tesla Model 3 variants are expected to gain an all-new longer driving range battery pack utilising a different chemistry.

Reuters reports Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) will start mass production on a new pack slated for the flagship Model 3 Performance this year – potentially coinciding with the anticipated 2024 project ‘Highland’ update.

CATL chair Zeng Yuqun reportedly told investors that it’ll feature new materials, offer higher energy density, and is cheaper than current nickel- and cobalt-based batteries.

Catch up


CATL 4680 Qilin Battery
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It follows Zeng claiming last year that CATL’s next-generation battery pack technology will enable up to a 700-kilometre driving range and be 10 to 20 per cent more energy dense than lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) packs – which the company supplies Tesla for entry-level Model 3 rear-wheel drive.

However, the full material makeup remains unclear and the publication didn’t detail whether the Long Range variant – along with the related Model Y electric SUV – will also get the same treatment.

Currently, both the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range and Performance use the same 75kWh (estimated) nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, according to EV Database.

The Long Range is good for up to 602 kilometres of claimed WLTP driving range, while the Performance reduces it to 547 kilometres due to the hi-po motor set up.

The 2024 Tesla Model 3 electric sedan is slated to launch later this year, with minor updates rumoured including a headlight redesign, revised rear bumper design, new interior dashboard material, and Hardware 4.0 with upgraded higher-resolution cameras and additional lenses.

It will directly rival the forthcoming 2024 Polestar 2 facelift, with the Long Range variants gaining a new larger battery to achieve up to 635 kilometres of WLTP-rated range, alongside more powerful electric motors, faster DC charging capability, and improved radar- and camera-based safety assistance systems.

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