CATL unveils new battery with record energy density

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd, better known as CATL, unveiled on Thursday one of the world's first sodium-ion batteries, as the battery giant continues to diversify its technical routes to gain a leg up in the industry.

According to Huang Qisen, deputy dean of the CATL Research Institute, its first sodium-ion battery can reach an energy density of 160 Wh/kg, currently the highest level in the world.

It is able to charge to 80 percent at room temperature in 15 minutes, with a discharge retention rate still above 90 percent in environments with temperatures below -20°C, he said.

"Sodium-ion batteries are compatible and complementary with lithium-ion batteries. Diversified technical routes are also an important guarantee for the long-term development of the industry," said Robin Zeng Yuqun, founder and chairman of CATL, at an online launch event on Thursday.

The company also announced it has developed a brand new solution, the AB battery system solution, which is able to realize the integration and mixed use of sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries.