In a major leap for electric vehicle technology, China’s CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) has unveiled a new generation of ultra-fast charging, long-range EV batteries that could reshape the global automotive landscape.Unveiled at CATL Tech Day 2025 in Shanghai, the second-generation Shenxing battery can add 520km of range in just five minutes—a charging rate of 2.6km per second. To put that into perspective, it’s twice as fast as BYD’s recently introduced 1MW charging tech (400km in 10 minutes), which was already the fastest available, and four times faster than Tesla’s fastest Supercharging rates.Game-changer in EV chargingThe new battery eliminates one of the biggest concerns around EV adoption—range anxiety. With this innovation, charging an EV could take the same time or even less than filling up a traditional petrol or diesel tank.It also supports a 5% to 80% charge in just 15 minutes—even in temperatures as low as -10°C, where EV performance typically drops. This makes the Shenxing battery highly practical for colder regions where rapid charging was previously a challenge.Up to 1500km on a swingle charge by 2027-28CATL is also working on a dual-battery setup that could extend the driving range to an astonishing 1500km on a single charge. This tech is expected to be production-ready by 2027–2028, outpacing even the most optimistic projections for solid-state batteries by automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz, which are aiming for 1000–1200km ranges.While this dual setup won’t charge as quickly as the core Shenxing tech (30–80% in 30 minutes), it introduces an auxiliary battery placed separately in the vehicle. This secondary battery uses different materials—excluding graphite—resulting in significant cost savings and a longer life cycle, as it’s not meant for frequent use.Sodium-ion batteries for heavy-duty vehiclesAdding to their breakthrough announcements, CATL revealed it will begin producing sodium-ion batteries under the ‘Naxtra’ brand for FAW (First Auto Works) freight trucks by December 2025.These batteries offer 90% charge retention in extreme temperatures, greater durability, and better safety in the event of damage—making them a robust alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for cold regions like Northern China, Siberia, and Mongolia.Sodium-ion batteries may also become a cost-effective replacement for lead-acid batteries in traditional internal combustion vehicles and hybrids. Interestingly, while US-China trade tensions continue, Wyoming in the US holds almost all of the world's natural soda ash deposits—an essential resource for producing sodium batteries.What’s next?Although CATL hasn’t confirmed which vehicles or brands will be the first to integrate these next-gen batteries, the implications are clear: the future of electric mobility is about to get a lot faster, cheaper, and more sustainable.Stay tuned—because with CATL leading the charge, the EV game is about to be revolutionized.