The Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has recently announced the start of mass production of its new Qilin battery system. This system is expected to be used in the upcoming Zeekr 009 model, which is set to launch in Q2 2023. The Qilin battery is a noticeable upgrade compared to CATL’s previous battery systems, and is said to offer up to 255 Wh/kg (pack level) of energy density. This could potentially give the Zeekr 009 a range of 511 miles (822 km) under the CLTC test cycle. Additionally, the Zeekr 001 model is expected to offer 622 miles (1,000 km) of range when equipped with the Qilin battery.
Other manufacturers are also looking to take advantage of CATL’s latest battery technology. For example, the Aito premium EV brand, backed by Huawei, has signed up for the Qilin battery. It remains to be seen how well the Qilin battery performs in comparison to other state-of-the-art batteries, but CATL claims that it offers 13 percent more power than the 4680-type battery system, as well as higher volumetric integration, better thermal efficiency and faster charging. We will have to wait for independent range tests to truly evaluate the potential of the Qilin battery system.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
