Progress towards a 1000 km range for electric vehicles
Since their appearance on the automotive market in the 2010s, electric cars have captured attention for their role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally-friendly mobility.
Although their environmental benefits are obvious, theelectric car range remains a major issue for widespread adoption! Indeed, the latter raises concerns about its suitability for motorway journeys. In fact, this concern often hinders the adoption of electric cars.
Also read : 10 long-range electric cars in 2023
Current range of electric cars
In 2024, the capacity of electric cars has evolved since the first models. Manufacturers have stepped up their work on batteries to extend the distances covered on a single charge.
According to theInternational Energy Agencythe growing range of electric cars has continued since their arrival on the market. The figures rise from 211 kilometers in 2015 to 338 kilometers in 2020. Here are the details for the last few years:
- 2015: 211 km
- 2016: 233 km
- 2017: 267 km
- 2018: 304 km
- 2019: 336 km
- 2020: 338 km
Currently, several models offer an average range of 250 to 400 km, such as the Volkswagen e-Up or the Renault Zoéor even more on a full charge. The maximum range of electric cars is around 600 km, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6representing a significant increase over previous generations.
For further information, please consult our article on thethe current state of electric car battery autonomy.
Chinese companies behind the new long-range battery
In the race for electric car range, Chinese companies have taken the lead, unveiling revolutionary batteries capable of reaching peak ranges of up to 1000 kilometers. These companies have shaken up established norms, presenting astonishing technological innovations.
Gotion High-Tech, the battery manufacturer
Recent advances from Gotion High-Techa Chinese battery manufacturer, are shaking up battery technology for electric vehicles. The Astroinno L600 LMFPbattery, their flagship innovation, is designed to drastically extend the range of electric carsproviding 1,000 km on a single charge.
In the field of lithium-ion batteries, the prevailing technology is focused on LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. These have a relatively low energy density (180 Wh/kg on average).
However, in contrast to these LFP batteries, we have the LMFP batteries. This type of battery also uses manganese, which should increase energy density to around 240 Wh/kg, while reducing weight and size.
The battery in question is based on :
- lithium,
- iron,
- manganese,
- phosphate.
All in all, it's a breakthrough that could revolutionize the electric car sector.
The battery from Gotion, the well-known main supplier to VolkswagenThe Gotion battery goes far beyond extended autonomy: it marks a significant advance in battery durability and performance.
According to Cheng Qian, Executive President of Gotion High Tech's International Business Unit, these are the features:
- reduces the number of parts in the battery by 45%,
- reduces weight by around 32%,
- withstands over 4,000 charge-discharge cycles at ambient temperature,
- 1,500 fast charge cycles,
- load from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
This resistance translates into an estimated lifespan of two million kilometers, roughly equivalent to 130 years of average driving.
Despite these high performance levels, the Astroinno L600 LMFP battery is said to have lower production costs than its competitors: the Chinese firm expects its creation to be 5% less expensive than an LFP cell cell and up to 25% less expensive than an NMC cell(nickel-manganese-cobalt) cell, another technology widely adopted in the automotive sector.
In addition, Gotion High-Tech's international expansion is gathering pace with new investments in battery production facilities in Morocco, the USA and Slovakia. This growth consolidates their market position, while stimulating sustainable growth in the global electric car market.
According to Gotion High Tech, the Astroinno L600 LMFP battery has passed various tests, so large-scale production is due to start by the second quarter of 2024 at two factories in China's Anhui province.
CATL, the world leader in battery production for electric cars
In August, the market leader in batteries for electric cars, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), anticipated an ultra-fast-charging battery offering 400 km range in just 10 minutes. Indeed, in February 2023, CATL once again claimed the title of world leader in terms of market share for the sixth year running, surpassing its nearest competitor, LG Energy Solution, by 25%.
As a result, according to Chinese media reports, the world leader in batteries recently launched large-scale production of its Qilin CTP 3. Their impressive energy density means they can travel 1,000 km on a single charge. These new cells are based on the 4680's pack design, and will be inaugurated in the minivan Zeekr 009.
According to the company's tests, this battery claims :
- have a range of 1000 km,
- regain 300 km of range in just 5 minutes,
- fuel consumption of 10.5 kWh/100km
- almost half of today's electric vehicles. For example, it's 13.2 kWh/100 kilometers for the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion.
- the range still reaches 700 km in these conditions, reduced by 30% at -7°C.
The first model incorporating this technology will be unveiled in the third quarter of 2024 with NETA.
To illustrate my point more clearly, here is the performance this battery could offer:
| FEATURES | PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|
|
Battery capacity
|
140 kWh |
|
Power
|
400 kW (543 hp)
|
|
Max. speed
|
200 km/h
|
|
0 to 100 km/h
|
3,8 s
|
|
Consumption
|
14.7 kWh/100 km
|
|
0 to 80% refill
|
10 min at 400 kW
|
|
Battery weight
|
727 kg
|
|
Vehicle weight
|
2,345 kg
|
|
CLTC autonomy
|
1,032 km |
What's more, CATL goes beyond supplying batteries to industry leaders like Tesla. Indeed, the Chinese company presents its renowned CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis) as a new creation.
These findings were shared by CATL's Chief Scientist, Wu Kai, at the International Automotive Conference on November 30, 2023.
The new CATL, based on CTC (Cell to Chassis) (Cell to Chassis) technology, directly integrates :
- electric motors,
- battery,
- high and low voltage system,
- direction,
- brakes.
Presumably, this chassis will be compatible with the Qilin CTP 3.
Start-up Greater Bay Technology
Greater Bay Technology, a China-based start-up and subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), has joined its competitors in unveiling the development of a battery that can withstand extreme temperatures, guaranteeing a range close to range of close to 1000 km. The battery is calledPhoenix".
That said, GBT has created its own technology to maintain battery performanceeven in difficult climatic conditions, particularly in winter.
Also read : Electric car range: 6 winter tips
According to the GAC Motor subsidiary's presentation on WeChat, the use of superconducting materials combined with precise thermal management would enable this feat.
According to statements by the company's president, Huang Xiandong, the revolutionary battery can :
- from -20°C to 25°C in 5 minutes,
- withstand extreme heat and cold,
- can be recharged from 10 to 80% in just 6 minutes.
According to the Chinese company, the Phoenix battery should equip the electric GAC Aion as early as 2024, and could also be adopted by other manufacturers: discussions are currently underway for its distribution. In China, competition promises to be tough, with the presence of giants such as CATL and BYDwho are also committed to developing more efficient batteries.
WeLion, the supplier for the Nio company
With the launch of the ET7 in spring 2021, Nio has validated the arrival of a new battery on its electric vehicles. It joins the 75 and 100 kWh versions already on sale.
The battery in question, designed by Chinese specialist WeLion, has a capacity of 150 kWh and uses a semi-solid electrolyte. Now combined with the battery exchange system, this new unit promises a range approaching 1000 km (according to the CLTC cycle, not WLTP) and will be incorporated into all new Nio models.
For example, the Nio ES6 should be certified for a range of 930 km according to CLTC, equivalent to almost 790 km on the WLTP cycle. The significant drop is explained by its nature as an electric SUVheavier and less aerodynamic than an electric sedan.
If the application is approved by the Ministry, Nio will be able to integrate its 1000 km range battery into all its electric cars, offering a competitive advantage.
Here are some of its features:
- 1000 km range
- 150 kWh capacity,
- density of 360 Wh/kg (only 20 kg more than the 100 kWh unit).
This new battery pack is easily adapted to Nio's other electric vehicle models. Its dimensions and connections are identical to those of a conventional pack, which is why Chinese customers will be able to exchange (for a limited time) their 75 or 100 kWh batteries for this new offer.
Conclusion
Indeed, the quest for an electric battery with a 1000 km range is gathering pace, marking an era of progress and innovation in the field of electric vehicles. These revolutionary advances promise to reshape the way we think about sustainable mobility, impacting professionals and private individuals alike.
This constant quest for extended range has stimulated unprecedented competition between players in the automotive industry. The latest announcements of revolutionary batteries capable of breaking the 1,000 km barrier demonstrate the promising potential for the future of electric cars.
This path towards ultra-high-performance batteries encourages further exploration of technological advances and manufacturers' initiatives to turn these revolutionary promises into reality.
To keep abreast of these electrifying innovations, follow our next articles on Beev to find out all about the exciting developments in the world of electric cars.
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