On April 21, 2026, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) unveiled its third-generation Qilin battery during the company’s annual Tech Day. The new battery offers 10C continuous and 15C peak charging capability, enabling an electric driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers on a single charge.
The ternary lithium cell delivers a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/L and a gravimetric energy density of 280 Wh/kg. A 125 kWh pack built with this chemistry weighs approximately 625 kg, a reduction of 255 kg compared to an equivalent lithium iron phosphate pack. This weight savings contributes to improved vehicle dynamics:
- 0–100 km/h acceleration quickened by 0.6 seconds
- Overtaking maneuver window reduced by 12 percent
- Moose test entry speed up by 8 percent
- Body roll angle cut by 6.5 percent
- Emergency avoidance performance enhanced by 15–25 percent
- 100–0 km/h braking distance shortened by 1.44 meters
The lighter battery pack also extends the service life of key components: chassis parts such as brakes, suspension elements, and rubber bushings see an estimated 40 percent increase in durability, while tire life improves by roughly 30 percent, from 30,000–40,000 km to 40,000–50,000 km. The pack’s compact form factor reduces volume by 112 liters—equivalent to three standard carry-on suitcases—freeing up 18 mm of additional headroom for passengers.
Under the hood, the Qilin track battery supports continuous discharge power up to 3,000 kW and integrates CATL’s thermal-electric separation technology, isolating thermal management systems from electrical circuits to enhance safety and efficiency.
At the same event, CATL also introduced its condensed matter battery, a semi-solid-state design with 350 Wh/kg gravimetric and 760 Wh/L volumetric energy densities. Packs weigh under 650 kg, enabling executive sedans to reach up to 1,500 km of range and full-size SUVs up to 1,000 km. This chemistry is already in service aboard eVTOL aircraft and is now targeted for passenger vehicle applications.
