Latest news with #CATL
Korea Herald
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Tesla deepens CATL ties to reshape ESS rivalry in US
Unusual US-China link-up may challenge LG's early lead in American ESS market Tesla dropped a bombshell by recently sharing a video clip on X showing drone footage of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturing facility for energy storage systems in the US state of Nevada. The post read, 'Nearing completion' of its first-ever LFP cell production site in North America. While the electric vehicle giant is known for pioneering cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells for cars, Tesla's venture into LFP cells sends a warning signal to Korean battery manufacturers, as it potentially enables the Chinese battery giant CATL to indirectly enter the US market despite trade barriers against China. Rare US-China tie-up According to Bloomberg, Tesla — already using CATL's LFP cells in its 'Megapack' product for utility- and grid-level ESS, manufactured outside the US — will utilize equipment and battery design from CATL at its Nevada facility. 'Tesla's completion of its LFP cell factory will effectively be equivalent to an indirect entry of CATL into the US market,' said Park Cheol-wan, a car engineering professor at Seojeong University. 'Tesla sources LFP batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles from CATL and BYD, with BYD's long cells serving Europe and CATL's prismatic cells targeting Asia and North America,' Park added. 'With increased US sanctions on China under the Biden administration, Tesla planned to start local production at its Nevada factory. This strategy has shown unexpected foresight, especially in light of the tariffs imposed during Donald Trump's presidency.' Park noted that CATL's entry through Tesla differs from its 'de facto failed attempt' to build a joint battery manufacturing plant with Ford Motor Company, which involved licensing its battery technology. With Tesla having full control over the Nevada factory, CATL can still benefit financially from supplying equipment, thereby deepening its reach into an otherwise 'impenetrable' US market. Fresh threat to LG? Tesla and CATL's LFP battery production intensifies pressure on LG Energy Solution, which last month became the first among US-based players to begin mass production of LFP cells for ESS at its Michigan plant. An LG Energy Solution official noted that the company is now supplying long-cell-based LFP battery pack products to major US energy solution providers, including Terra-Gen and Delta Electronics. The combined annual supply volume to these two firms is projected to reach 12 gigawatt-hours, valued at approximately 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion). In 2022, LG Energy Solution also entered the ESS system integration sector, moving beyond battery supply to the construction and operation of large-scale ESS in North America. 'Although this move strengthens their market position, we'll need to wait and see whether they can maintain price competitiveness against Tesla, which is collaborating with the cost-efficient CATL,' Park said. While Tesla does not disclose its exact market share in the US ESS sector, it is known to be a dominant player in residential ESS and a key supplier for utility-scale storage. In 2024, the combined energy storage capacity of Tesla's Megapack and Powerwall products soared 114 percent year-on-year to 31.4 gigawatt-hours. The company projects at least 50 percent growth in this segment for 2025. No clear leader Industry watchers expect the LFP battery rivalry between LG Energy Solution and Tesla — backed by CATL — to expand into the US electric vehicle market. 'While Tesla has so far only revealed plans for ESS production at its Nevada plant, it seems only a matter of time before it begins manufacturing LFP cells for EVs as well, given that these products use the same battery design,' said a researcher at a major Korean battery company. Park also noted that Tesla's local production of LFP cells is likely to spur LG Energy Solution — which is set to begin large-scale LFP battery supplies to Renault Group from its plant in Poland — to explore new partnerships with legacy US automakers such as Ford Motor Company and General Motors. In the first quarter of this year, GM's brands — Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC — ranked second in US EV sales with 31,886 units, following Tesla's 128,100 units, according to data from Cox Automotive. Ford came in third with 22,500 units sold.
Fox News
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Swappable EV batteries let you 'refuel' in just 100 seconds
Pulling into a station, swapping your electric car battery and getting back on the road in under two minutes is now a reality. In China, CATL's swappable EV batteries are making this possible. This innovation is transforming the way drivers think about electric vehicle charging by making it fast, easy and as convenient as refueling with gasoline. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Swappable EV batteries are modular battery packs that can be quickly exchanged instead of recharged. CATL, a global leader in battery technology, created a system called Choco-SEB that allows drivers to replace a drained battery in about 100 seconds. This makes battery swapping a realistic alternative to traditional EV charging. CATL's Choco-SEB battery system is focused on speed and flexibility. It is designed to support a wide range of electric vehicles, from compact city cars to larger sedans. The system lets drivers swap batteries quickly and choose the setup that matches their needs best. With this technology, a single battery swap can deliver up to 373 miles of range, depending on the vehicle. The Choco-SEB batteries are available in two sizes, making them adaptable for different car models. Drivers can install one, two or even three battery blocks, depending on how much driving range they want. For compact cars, the system can provide up to 311 miles of range, while midsize vehicles can achieve as much as 373 miles per swap. This flexibility makes the Choco-SEB system a practical solution for a wide variety of drivers and travel needs. The battery uses a blend of lithium iron phosphate and nickel manganese cobalt. This mix offers a balance of performance and safety, with an energy density of more than 160 Wh/kg and 325 Wh/L. The first car to launch with a Choco-SEB swappable EV battery is the Changan Oshan 520. It starts at around 166,800 yuan, or roughly $23,100. The vehicle offers a 320-mile range and is already gaining traction. Changan has delivered over 1,000 units and has received more than 15,000 orders. CATL is actively building a network of battery swap stations across China. As of now, 34 stations are operating in Chongqing. More than 50 are expected by the end of the year. By the end of 2025, CATL plans to have 1,000 stations across 31 cities. Each station is compact, requiring the space of just three parking spots, and they can hold up to 48 swappable EV batteries. CATL is working with major automakers, including GAC, Chery, NIO, FAW and BAIC. The company holds almost 29% of the global EV battery market. With the addition of swappable EV batteries, it is strengthening its position as a leader in the industry. Swappable EV batteries address one of the biggest challenges facing electric vehicles: long charging times. Instead of waiting 30 minutes or more, drivers can swap batteries in minutes and get back on the road with the ease of a gas-powered car. The concept is gaining traction in Asian markets and holds promise for global expansion. In the U.S., however, challenges such as vehicle compatibility, automaker collaboration, infrastructure needs and consumer acceptance remain significant. Some U.S.-based pilots and partnerships, including Stellantis collaborating with Ample for a fleet in Spain, point to growing interest. Still, CATL's Choco-SEB battery swap system has not been announced for rollout in the U.S. CATL's goal is to make electric vehicle ownership easier and more appealing. Swappable EV batteries give drivers the flexibility to power up without plugging in. With more stations on the way and compatibility across a wide range of cars, this system could redefine what it means to drive electric. While this technology isn't coming to the U.S. just yet, American EV manufacturers may want to take note, as swappable battery tech could be the game-changer drivers have been waiting for. If you could recharge your electric car in just 100 seconds, would you switch from gas to electric? What would it take to convince you to make the change? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Avatr signs distribution agreement in Egypt
Avatr Technology Company, the upmarket battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer controlled by Chinese state-owned automaker Changan Automobile Company, has signed a distribution agreement in Egypt with the local Kasrawy Group. Kasrawy Group, established some 40 years ago, is one of Egypt's leading automotive companies, with distribution and sales operations for a number of major overseas brands including Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Renault, Citroën, JAC, and AITO, as well as representing Audi and Jaguar Land Rover. The group accounted for an estimated 20% of the Egyptian vehicle market last year, according to reports. The deal with Kasrawy marks Avatr's entry into the African automotive market, as part of its ambitious overseas expansion strategy. Parent company Changan Automobile already has a presence in the country and is currently building a local assembly plant near Cairo. Avatr, which has Chinese battery manufacturer CATL and technology company Huawei as its strategic partners, recently launched sales operations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, and is expected to sign further distribution deals in the Middle East and Africa in the next six months. The company plans to establish sales outlets and officially launch the brand in Egypt within the next three months. Avatr has four battery-powered models on the market at present, the 06, 07, 011 and its flagship 012, powered by CATL batteries and featuring Huawei's intelligent systems. The company has approximately 700 outlets in 200 cities in China and is present in 25 overseas markets, with a total of 55 sales outlets. It plans to have a presence in 50 overseas markets by the end of 2025 and enter Europe in 2026. "Avatr signs distribution agreement in Egypt" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV
Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been 'engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover', according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for 'high-performance electric hybrids', has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer 'EV-era' technology and 'IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance'. It also promises 'best-in-class low-battery performance' and 'EV-like smoothness', as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. 'When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment,' Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert earlier this month. 'We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket.' MORE: Everything Zeekr
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV
Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been 'engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover ', according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for 'high-performance electric hybrids', has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer 'EV-era' technology and 'IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance'. It also promises 'best-in-class low-battery performance' and 'EV-like smoothness', as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. 'When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment,' Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert earlier this month. 'We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket.'
