CATL and Yutong Develop Ultra-Durable Batteries that Can Travel 37 Earth Cycles and Endure 1,000 Charges from 0%

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CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, has recently announced the introduction of a new type of battery with an exceptionally long lifespan. Developed in collaboration with Yutong, this battery can last for 15 years while maintaining its full capacity for the first 1,000 charging cycles.

Paving the Way for Electric Buses

CATL and Yutong plan to initially implement this battery technology in Yutong’s bus models. Yutong has a reputation for subjecting its buses to extreme tests, such as high and low temperatures and steep inclines, to demonstrate their durability.

Yutong introduces the new battery they developed with CATL.
Yutong introduces the new battery they developed with CATL.

CATL previously collaborated with NIO, a Chinese luxury electric vehicle startup, to test and apply durable batteries that come with a 15-year warranty. This achievement is expected to invigorate the electric vehicle market as an estimated 20 million electric vehicles will have expired battery warranties in the coming years.

NIO pioneered the use of battery swapping technology for electric vehicles, with CATL as the supplier of battery packs with a lifespan of about 12 years.

In addition to NIO, CATL also supplies batteries to VinFast. Several VinFast models, such as VF 8 and VF 9, already offer the option to use CATL batteries, enhancing their overall performance.

CATL provides durable batteries for NIO.
CATL provides durable batteries for NIO.

Extraordinary Battery Lifespan

The newly developed battery by CATL and Yutong boasts an impressive feature: it does not degrade or lose capacity even after 1,000 cycles of charging. It can maintain at least 85% of its original capacity for a continuous period of 15 years. Within this timeframe, the battery can power a vehicle to travel up to 1.5 million kilometers, equivalent to approximately 37.5 Earth cycles.

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This battery technology is versatile and can be compatible with various vehicle segments, including buses, light trucks, and even heavy-duty trucks. Yutong has announced that its Yutong Bus and Yutong Heavy Industries products will be equipped with this battery.

While it remains uncertain if this battery will be applicable to personal vehicles, its remarkable durability has the potential to contribute to a greener environment in various industries.

Yutong Electric Bus E12 in Singapore.
Yutong Electric Bus E12 in Singapore.

Yutong and CATL Partnership

Yutong is considered one of the largest bus manufacturers in China. The company has had a strategic partnership with CATL since 2012, and in August 2022, Yutong and CATL renewed their collaboration for another 10 years.

Yutong’s CATL-powered buses are currently in operation across approximately 40 countries and regions around the world, including France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Qatar.

CATL's ultra-durable battery pack.
CATL’s ultra-durable battery pack.

CATL and Yutong have not disclosed the specific chemical composition of this battery. Currently, mainstream vehicle manufacturers like Tesla, VinFast, and Mercedes use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries. LFP batteries are known for their affordability, high endurance, and safety features.

Moreover, LFP batteries do not contain cobalt, a metal with detrimental environmental impact during mining, reducing environmental concerns throughout the life cycle of the product.

Although details about the new ultra-durable battery’s potential application in personal vehicles are still unknown, its longevity opens up possibilities for numerous industries to embrace greener solutions.