Episode 57: Qilin battery (CATL)

Our studio guest Dr Veronika Wright is a graduate engineer for technical physics, a consultant for electrification and a battery researcher. In this loading episode she explains a "Auto-Motor-Sport-Headline" from 24.06.2022. It says: "New super battery should reach 1,000 km".

Dr. Wright analyzes the core elements of the Qilin battery innovation: Through a completely newly created cell architecture and a revolutionary space-saving electronics, the manufacturer manages to store significantly more energy per volume than before. The new "Cell-to-Pack" design from approx. 255 Wh/kg at pack level was achieved primarily by using even less packaging material and storing more active material. In addition, CATL has tried a new thermal management: The cells are actively cooled, so that a much faster loading of the packs is possible. Cooling elements are used next to each cell in the pack.

In addition to the "Qilin" battery, Dr Wright also explains a "modular battery swapping" driven by CATL. In the case of electric cars, it will be possible to carry parts of a conventional battery pack (only) modularly and also to exchange it for tailor-made packs within minutes - depending on daily requirements and route planning. Advantages of this approach: The electric car does not have to carry so much weight on the short distance. In addition, e-car owners would no longer be forced to buy the expensive battery themselves. With battery swapping, the customer only subscribes to access to a tailor-made module and its quick installation. With "Battery Swapping", CATL customers can save money on the one hand and move much more sustainably on the other. However, the electric car is not so flexible due to the limited ranges.

Link to Auto-Motor-Sport: www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/tech-zukunft/alternativee-antriebse/catl-ctp-3-0-qilin-lithium-Ionen-batterie-superakku-1000-km-reichweite/