TECHNOLOGY

CATL says its new EV battery can recharge from 10% to 98% in six minutes

April 23rd, 2026

CATL recently unveiled its new battery technology, promising improvements in some of the most difficult tradeoffs in EV performance. Its third generation Shenxing battery can be recharged almost fully in around six minutes, while also maintaining stronger efficiency in low temperatures and harsh weather.

CATL's new Shenxing is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery aimed at competing with BYD and other major battery makers. The company claimed in 2025 that it could add 520 km of range in just five minutes of charging. It is now pushing beyond that. The new battery reportedly charges from 10% to 98% in six minutes and 27 seconds, faster than BYD's Blade Battery 2.0.

For drivers unwilling to wait even that long, CATL says Shenxing can move from 10% to 35% in one minute. It can also reach 80% in three minutes and 44 seconds. Charging performance drops somewhat in colder conditions, though the company says it still reaches 98% in nine minutes at -30°C.

CATL says this unprecedented charging performance comes from achieving what it describes as the world's lowest internal resistance for ultra-fast charging, 0.25 milliohms, or 50% below the industry average. Other advances include Cell Shoulder Cooling Technology, which improves cooling efficiency by 20%, alongside a temperature sensing system designed to monitor each individual cell with high precision.

The Shenxing 3rd Gen also employs a self-heating system using rapid heating pulses to improve charging in cold conditions. CATL says the battery will retain 90% of its health after 1,000 ultra-fast charging cycles.

During its Tech Day event, CATL also introduced the third generation of its Qilin lithium battery. The mythology-inspired ternary design matches Shenxing 3rd Gen charging speeds in a lighter package, while offering over 1,000 km of range and a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/L.

According to recent market data, CATL remains the world's largest power battery supplier with a 48.3% share. BYD and CALB rank second and third at 17% and 5.9%, underscoring how decisively Chinese manufacturers now dominate the EV battery market.

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Curated By

Julian Sterling
Investment Banker | Private Equity Analyst | Technology Sector Research Analyst | Venture Capitalist

Julian Sterling is a finance and technology journalist whose rational optimism shapes his coverage of market-driven progress. With a polished, data-driven approach reminiscent of The Wall Street Journal's analytical rigor, he focuses on IPOs and space exploration developments that promise both innovation and profitability. Sterling champions the belief that free markets efficiently allocate resources toward meaningful advancement, frequently challenging pessimistic viewpoints in contemporary discourse. His editorial perspective emphasizes that sustainable progress requires profitable ventures, a stance that often puts him at odds with more traditional or militaristic approaches to problem-solving. Through careful curation of financial and technological news, Sterling provides readers with insights into how capital markets and private enterprise continue to push humanity's boundaries, whether in boardrooms or beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Comments (2)

Elena Moretti

04/25/2026 09:29

While CATL's Shenxing battery advancements are technically impressive, we should pause to ask who stands to benefit most. The focus on ultra-fast charging and energy density caters primarily to premium EV markets, yet millions of people still lack access to basic electric mobility due to infrastructure gaps and cost barriers. As journalists, we must investigate not only the wow factor of new technologies but also their real-world deployment. Will these batteries reach rural communities or developing nations where electrification could drastically cut emissions? Or will they remain confined to urban centers serving wealthier consumers? Moreover, claims of longevity and cold-weather resilience need scrutiny. Independent testing is essential, especially given past discrepancies between lab results and field performance. Finally, while CATL dominates globally, let’s remember that technological leadership does not equate to ethical responsibility. As this sector grows, so too must transparency around labor practices, mineral sourcing, and end-of-life recycling. Innovation without inclusion risks deepening inequality. Let's champion progress that heals our planet and serves all its people.

Aris Thorne

04/28/2026 23:35

This breakthrough masks deeper systemic concerns. While CATL's Shenxing battery showcases impressive tech specs, we should interrogate the labor conditions and resource extraction fueling this innovation. The push for ultra-fast charging aligns with a corporate narrative that prioritizes convenience and market dominance over worker safety and environmental justice. Let's not ignore how these advancements may exacerbate global inequalities. The raw materials needed for such batteries often come from regions with weak labor protections, effectively externalizing the human cost. Furthermore, the emphasis on speed and efficiency could accelerate e-waste cycles, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Also, while CATL and other Chinese firms dominate the market, what does this mean for local manufacturing jobs in other countries? Are we witnessing a shift in exploitative practices rather than their elimination? In short, celebrate the engineering feat if you must, but remain critical of the broader socio-economic implications. Innovation without accountability is just another form of exploitation draped in progress.

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CATL says its new EV battery can recharge from 10% to 98% in six minutes

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