Chinese battery giant CATL has introduced the Freevoy battery, the world’s first hybrid battery combining lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies. Capable of extending a vehicle’s range by 400 kilometers and featuring a high 4C charging rate, it is specifically designed for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

This battery provides a solution to the challenges faced by hybrid vehicles, which typically rely on a combination of internal combustion engines and battery-powered electric motors. Such vehicles often suffer from limited battery range, slow charging times, and decreased performance in low temperatures.

The new Freevoy battery offers an impressive 4C charging speed, allowing for a 280-kilometer range extension with just a 10-minute charge, according to CATL.

The incorporation of sodium-ion battery technology addresses the issue of low-temperature performance. The Freevoy battery can operate in extremely cold environments down to -40°C and can be charged at temperatures as low as -30°C, while maintaining a smooth driving experience even at -20°C.

By combining the best of both sodium-ion and lithium-ion technologies, Freevoy offers enhanced performance. It can operate in low temperatures like sodium-ion batteries while maintaining a high energy density similar to lithium-ion batteries.

This battery has already been adopted by several Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including Li Auto, Avator, Deepal, and Neta. It is expected to be used in 30 new models next year by companies like Geely and Chery.

CATL, the world’s largest automotive battery manufacturer, aims to maintain its leadership by collaborating with various automakers and developing batteries that meet their specific needs. Through innovative technologies, CATL is addressing the current limitations of batteries and improving their reliability and efficiency in diverse environments.