Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) recently unveiled the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, a groundbreaking innovation designed for hybrid vehicles. This new battery promises to provide a range of over 400 kilometers and supports 4 C fast charging, offering hybrid vehicle owners a driving experience comparable to that of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The launch event took place in Beijing, where CATL showcased the capabilities of the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery. With the increasing demand for extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the Chinese market, this new battery is set to meet the expectations of consumers who desire the performance of BEVs but are concerned about range anxiety.
In a market where hybrid vehicle sales have outperformed BEVs in terms of growth, the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery is poised to make a significant impact. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), retail sales of hybrid models in China saw a 78.11 percent year-on-year increase in the January-September period, surpassing the growth rate of BEVs, which stood at 17.79 percent.
The Freevoy battery marks a new era of high-capacity batteries for EREVs and PHEVs, providing owners with the convenience of extended driving range without the need for frequent recharging. CATL’s Chief Technology Officer for China’s passenger vehicle business, Gao Huan, highlighted that the Freevoy battery can support a week’s worth of commuting on a single charge, eliminating concerns about battery range limitations.
Moreover, the Freevoy battery boasts impressive charging speeds that rival those of high-end EVs currently on the market. With a 10-minute charge, vehicles equipped with the Freevoy battery can achieve a range of over 280 kilometers, offering enhanced convenience for hybrid vehicle owners.
CATL has leveraged sodium-ion battery technology in the Freevoy battery to enhance performance in low temperatures. By integrating sodium-ion batteries with lithium-ion batteries in a specific ratio and arrangement, the Freevoy battery delivers a 5 percent improvement in low-temperature battery range. Even in extreme cold conditions, the Freevoy battery can be discharged at -40 degrees Celsius and recharged at -30 degrees Celsius, ensuring a seamless driving experience at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Leading automotive brands, including Li Auto, Avatr, Deepal, Nevo, and Neta, have already chosen to integrate the Freevoy battery into their hybrid models. By 2025, CATL projects that nearly 30 hybrid models from renowned brands such as Geely, Chery, GAC, and Voyah will be equipped with the Freevoy battery, further solidifying its position as a game-changing technology in the hybrid vehicle market.
The Freevoy battery represents CATL’s latest advancement in battery technology, following the successful launches of the Qilin Battery and the Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery for BEV models. As the world’s largest power battery maker, CATL continues to drive innovation in the electric vehicle industry, setting new standards for performance, range, and charging capabilities.
In conclusion, the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery from CATL signals a significant milestone in the development of high-capacity batteries for hybrid vehicles, offering a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a BEV-like driving experience. With its impressive range, fast charging capabilities, and enhanced performance in low temperatures, the Freevoy battery is set to revolutionize the hybrid vehicle market and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation future.