Shanghai (ZXZC)- On October 24, 2024, CATL launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, which is touted as the world's first hybrid vehicle battery to offer a pure electric range of over 400 kilometers along with 4C superfast charging. This groundbreaking innovation marks a new chapter for high-capacity batteries designed for Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

Photo credit: CATL

As EREVs and PHEVs gain traction in the new energy vehicle market, consumers have voiced concerns over the limitations of their battery-power-only range, slow charging speeds, and poor performance in low-temperature environments. CATL's Freevoy aims to address these challenges, promising a significantly improved electric driving experience.

Photo credit: CATL

According to the CATL, the Freevoy battery was developed to free hybrid vehicles’ drivers from the frequent charging cycles that plague many existing vehicles. With the ability to power a typical week's commute on a single charge, Freevoy offers a level of convenience previously unseen in the hybrid vehicle market. More impressively, it delivers over 280 kilometers of range with just 10 minutes of charging, effectively erasing range anxiety for EREV and PHEV owners.

Photo credit: CATL

At the core of Freevoy's performance are several key technological innovations. CATL's Chief Technology Officer for China's E-car Business, Gao Huan, highlighted the advances behind Freevoy's success during the launch event. The battery features a surface-modified cathode material and a high-voltage electrolyte that forms a nano protective layer, significantly reducing side reactions within the battery. This, combined with a sophisticated BMS (Battery Management System), improves the battery's state-of-charge (SOC) control accuracy by 40% and boosts the pure electric range by more than 10%, allowing the battery to surpass the 400-km-range mark.

CATL has also optimized the power performance of Freevoy-equipped hybrid electric vehicles, improving their overall performance by 20%. This was achieved through meticulous analysis of the battery's charge-discharge polarization characteristics and a multi-level power prediction and control strategy.

One of the standout features of the Freevoy battery is its 4C ultra-fast charging technology. By incorporating advanced materials like a fast ion conductor coating on the cathode, second-generation fast-charging graphite, and an innovative electrolyte formula, Freevoy delivers charging speeds on par with pure electric vehicles. With the ability to recharge 280 kilometers in just 10 minutes, Freevoy sets a new benchmark for hybrid electric vehicle battery charging efficiency.

Freevoy also excels in cold environments, thanks to the integration of CATL's sodium-ion battery technology. The battery can maintain discharge performance down to -40°C and charge in temperatures as low as -30°C. To further enhance its low-temperature capabilities, CATL has implemented a combination of sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries in an AB system, improving the vehicle's range by 5% in cold conditions and increasing precision in SOC control by 30%.

In addition to its impressive performance metrics, Freevoy prioritizes safety and reliability. CATL has developed a comprehensive evaluation and management system that spans from material selection to manufacturing, ensuring that the battery meets rigorous safety standards through extensive testing and real-time data analysis.

CATL's Freevoy battery has already been incorporated into a range of vehicle models from prominent brands such as Li Auto, AVATR, DEEPAL, CHANGAN NEVO, and NETA. By 2025, over 30 hybrid vehicle models from brands including Geely, Chery, GAC, and VOYAH are expected to be launched with the Freevoy battery.

CATL highlighted that the launch of Freevoy battery reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of battery technology, enhancing the driving experience, and advancing the shift toward widespread electrification. As the automotive industry continues its transition to electric power, innovations like Freevoy will play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.