PR90919

NINGDE, China, July 29, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Another Milestone in the Industrialization of Innovative Technologies

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) successfully held its first

online launch event "Tech Zone" on July 29. Dr. Robin Zeng, chairman of CATL,

unveiled the company's first-generation sodium-ion battery, together with its

AB battery pack solution - which is able to integrate sodium-ion cells and

lithium-ion cells into one pack - at the event. As another milestone of CATL in

the exploration of basic science and technology, sodium-ion batteries will

provide a new solution for the use of clean energy and transportation

electrification, thus promoting the early realization of the goal of carbon

neutrality.

Breaking through the bottleneck of sodium-ion battery technology

As carbon neutrality has become a global consensus, the new energy industry has

entered a complex and diversified development stage. The increasingly segmented

markets have raised differentiated requirements for batteries. At the same

time, the worldwide research and development of basic materials for batteries

is accelerating, which opens a two-way window for the industrialization of

sodium-ion batteries.

The sodium-ion battery has a similar working principle to the lithium-ion

battery. Sodium ions also shuttle between the cathode and anode. However,

compared with lithium ions, sodium ions have a larger volume and higher

requirements regarding structural stability and the kinetic properties of

materials. This has become a bottleneck for the industrialization of sodium-ion

batteries.

CATL has been dedicated to the research and development of sodium-ion battery

electrode materials for many years. In terms of cathode materials, CATL has

applied Prussian white material with a higher specific capacity and redesigned

the bulk structure of the material by rearranging the electrons, which solved

the worldwide problem of rapid capacity fading upon material cycling. In terms

of anode materials, CATL has developed a hard carbon material that features a

unique porous structure, which enables the abundant storage and fast movement

of sodium ions, and also an outstanding cycle performance.

Based on a series of innovations in the chemistry system, CATL's first

generation of sodium-ion batteries has the advantages of high-energy density,

fast-charging capability, excellent thermal stability, great low-temperature

performance and high-integration efficiency, among others. The energy density

of CATL's sodium-ion battery cell can achieve up to 160Wh/kg, and the battery

can charge in 15 minutes to 80% SOC at room temperature. Moreover, in a low-

temperature environment of -20°C, the sodium-ion battery has a capacity

retention rate of more than 90%, and its system integration efficiency can

reach more than 80%. The sodium-ion batteries' thermal stability exceeds the

national safety requirements for traction batteries. The first generation of

sodium-ion batteries can be used in various transportation electrification

scenarios, especially in regions with extremely low temperatures, where its

outstanding advantages become obvious. Also, it can be flexibly adapted to the

application needs of all scenarios in the energy storage field.

Four-pillar innovation system in support of three strategic development

directions

CATL has always been committed to being a global premier innovative technology

corporation and delivering excellent contributions to the green energy

resolution for mankind as its vision. To achieve its vision, CATL is making

unremitting efforts in three strategic development directions. The first

development direction is to replace stationary fossil energy with renewable

energy generation and energy storage; the second is to replace mobile fossil

energy by using EV batteries to accelerate the development of E-mobility; the

third is to promote the integration innovation of market applications

leveraging electrification plus intelligence to accelerate the drive towards

new energy applications in different fields. To support sustainable development

in these three development directions, CATL has established a four-pillar

innovation system, namely in the chemistry system, structure system,

manufacturing system and business models, to build a rapid transformation

capability from fundamental research to industrial application, and then to

large-scale commercialization.

The fundamental research of material and the chemistry system is of great

importance. Dr. Robin Zeng, chairman of CATL, has said that some people believe

that the battery chemistry system will hardly see any more breakthroughs, and

that only improvements can be made in the physical structure system. But we

believe that the world of electrochemistry is like the Energy Cube, where there

are still a lot of unknowns for us to discover. We never get tired of exploring

its mysteries. By using a high-throughput calculation platform and simulation

technology, based on our deep understanding of principles combined with the

application of advanced algorithms and computing capacity, we engage in an

in-depth exploration to develop a chemistry system that is most suitable for

sodium-ion batteries, enable them to enter the fast track to industrialization,

and continuously evolve. The next generation of sodium-ion batteries' energy

density development target is to exceed 200Wh/kg.

In terms of battery system innovation, CATL has made another breakthrough in

battery system integration and developed an AB battery system solution, which

is to mix and match sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries in a certain

proportion and integrate them into one battery system, and control the

different battery systems through the BMS precision algorithm. The AB battery

system solution can compensate for the current energy-density shortage of the

sodium-ion battery, and also expand its advantages of high power and

performance in low temperatures. Thanks to this innovative structure system,

application scenarios for the lithium-sodium battery system are expanded.

Multi-dimensional deployment to promote the industrialization of sodium-ion

batteries

At the event, Dr. Qisen Huang, deputy dean of the CATL Research Institute, said

that sodium-ion battery manufacturing is perfectly compatible with the

lithium-ion battery production equipment and processes, and the production

lines can be rapidly switched to achieve a high-production capacity. As of now,

CATL has started its industrial deployment of sodium-ion batteries, and plans

to form a basic industrial chain by 2023. CATL invites upstream suppliers and

downstream customers, as well as research institutions to jointly accelerate

the promotion and development of sodium-ion batteries.

Dr. Robin Zeng said that carbon neutrality has spawned a demand for TWh-scale

batteries and has promoted the vigorous development of the new energy industry.

The continued emergence of application demands has given an opportunity to

showcase the capabilities of different technologies. Diversified technical

routes will also assure the stability of the industry's long-term development.

About CATL

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a global leader in new

energy technology innovation, committed to providing premier solutions and

services for new energy applications worldwide. In June 2018, the company went

public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with stock code 300750. According to SNE

Research, in the year 2020, CATL's EV battery consumption volume ranked No.1 in

the world for four consecutive years. CATL also enjoys wide recognition by

global OEM partners. To achieve the goal of realizing fossil fuel replacement

in stationary and mobile energy systems with highly efficient electrical power

systems that are generated through advanced batteries and renewable energy, and

promote the integrated innovation of market applications with electrification

and intelligentization, CATL maintains continuous innovation in four dimensions

including battery chemistry system, structure system, manufacturing system and

business models.

For more information, please visit http://www.catl.com

SOURCE  Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=397470

   Caption: Dr. Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of CATL

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   Caption: Dr. Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of CATL

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=397473

   Caption: Dr. Qisen Huang, deputy dean of CATL Research Institute

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=397474

   Caption: CATL's first-generation sodium-ion battery

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=397475

   Caption: Advantages of the first-generation sodium-ion battery performance