Discover CATL’s new 5C electric vehicle battery that can travel over 1.8 million km, self‑heals tiny cracks, and thrives in extreme heat. Learn more now!
Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) has unveiled its latest electric‑vehicle (EV) battery platform, named 5C. In independent tests the cell retained at least 80 % of its initial capacity after more than 3,000 full fast‑charge cycles – the equivalent of over 1.8 million kilometres of driving.
Unprecedented Longevity
The 5C platform pushes the traditional 1‑million‑kilometre benchmark to new heights. By maintaining 80 % capacity after 3,000 cycles at a standard 20 °C laboratory temperature, the battery demonstrates a lifespan roughly six times higher than the average EV battery measured under similar conditions.
Heat‑Resistant Performance
High temperatures are a known enemy of lithium‑ion cells, especially during rapid charging. CATL’s tests show the 5C module still holds 80 % capacity after 1,400 cycles at 60 °C, translating to about 840,000 km. While slightly lower than the cool‑room results, this performance far exceeds most current EV batteries operating in hot climates.
Self‑Healing Chemistry
At the material level, the positive electrode is coated with a protective layer that suppresses degradation and limits metal‑ion loss during fast charge‑discharge. The electrolyte contains a special additive that can detect microscopic cracks and automatically “heal” them before they spread, reducing active lithium loss and slowing overall capacity fade.
Intelligent Thermal Management
CATL also introduced an advanced cooling system that monitors the entire pack and directs coolant precisely to the hottest cells. By equalising temperature across the module, the system further prolongs the battery’s overall service life.
Target Vehicles and Commercial Outlook
The 5C platform is geared toward high‑intensity use cases such as trucks, taxis and delivery fleets that demand quick turnaround and long‑lasting packs. Passenger‑car applications are expected once production scales up, although CATL has not yet announced a definitive commercial launch date.
With its combination of ultra‑long range, fast‑charging resilience and self‑healing technology, CATL’s 5C battery could reshape how consumers and fleet operators think about EV battery durability.