Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), China’s top battery manufacturer, has just unveiled a revolutionary hybrid battery named Freevoy. Announced on Thursday in Beijing, this new technology is set to transform the hybrid vehicle market by offering an unprecedented combination of long driving range and incredibly fast charging speeds, addressing two of the biggest concerns for drivers today.
A New Benchmark in Hybrid Battery Performance
The Freevoy battery is specifically engineered for hybrid vehicles and its capabilities are already making waves. Gao Huan, the chief technology officer of CATL’s China E-car Business, highlighted its impressive specifications.
The battery provides a pure electric range of over 400 kilometers (248 miles) on a single charge. This figure alone sets a new standard for what hybrid vehicles can achieve without using their gasoline engines. Furthermore, its charging speed is remarkable, adding over 280 kilometers (174 miles) of range in just 10 minutes.
A key innovation in the Freevoy is its dual-chemistry structure, which combines both sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells. This allows for exceptional performance in extreme cold, a common challenge for electric vehicle batteries. The battery can operate effectively in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, ensuring reliability for drivers in harsh winter climates.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Electric Range | Over 400 km (248 miles) |
| Fast Charge Speed | 280 km (174 miles) in 10 minutes |
| Low-Temp Discharge | Down to -40°C |
| Low-Temp Recharge | Down to -30°C |
Tapping into China’s Booming Hybrid Market
The timing of Freevoy’s release could not be better. China’s market for hybrid vehicles is experiencing explosive growth as consumers look for a middle ground between traditional cars and pure electric vehicles. Hybrids offer the fuel efficiency and lower emissions of electric power without the range anxiety that sometimes comes with all-electric models.
Recent data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows just how popular hybrids have become.
- In the first nine months of 2024, hybrid vehicle sales in China hit 3.32 million units.
- This represents a massive 84.2% year-on-year growth in the segment.
- Hybrids now account for 43% of the entire new energy vehicle (NEV) market in the country.
Luo Jian, CATL’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the significance of this trend, stating that hybrids are “a force that cannot be ignored in the electrification process.” CATL’s Freevoy battery is perfectly positioned to meet this surging demand.
Leading Automakers Embrace Freevoy Technology
The new battery technology has already secured buy-in from major players in the Chinese automotive industry. Prominent EV manufacturers like Li Auto and AVATR have confirmed they will integrate the Freevoy battery into their upcoming next-generation hybrid models. This early adoption by leading brands is a strong vote of confidence in the battery’s performance and potential.
The momentum is expected to continue, with other major automakers such as Geely and Chery also planning to use the Freevoy battery in their future vehicles. These partnerships will help solidify CATL’s central role in the ongoing transition to greener transportation in China and beyond.
CATL’s Continued Dominance in the Battery Sector
This latest innovation is another example of why CATL is a global leader in the EV battery market. According to SNE Research, the company has been the world’s top EV battery supplier for seven consecutive years. In 2023, CATL captured 36.8% of the global EV battery market share.
Based in Ningde, China, CATL has built its success on continuous innovation and strategic partnerships with the world’s largest car companies. The company supplies batteries to international giants like BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, and Honda, giving it a massive global footprint and cementing its status as the industry leader.
