China’s CATL has introduced a groundbreaking battery technology that could reshape the future of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
Known as the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, it promises over 400km of electric-only range, rivalling certain full-electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Toyota bZ4X Motion and outperforming models like the MG4 Excite 51 and BYD Dolphin.
While PHEVs are often seen as a bridge between traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and fully electric mobility, they typically offer limited electric range.
However, CATL’s Freevoy battery aims to change that perception. Supported by a 4C fast-charging capability, the battery allows PHEV owners to gain an additional 280km of range with a quick 10-minute charge, reducing concerns about range limitations on longer trips.
The Freevoy battery’s extended range is achieved through CATL’s advancements in battery chemistry.
The company explains that its “surface modification technology for the cathode material,” combined with a unique electrolyte mix, has led to a nano-protective layer within the cell.
This layer minimises internal side reactions, allowing lithium ions to move more efficiently. Additionally, CATL’s high-precision state-of-charge (SOC) algorithm improves battery management by 40%, enhancing its electric range by 10%.
CATL’s battery will be featured in over 30 hybrid models in the coming year, with brands like Chery and presumably its Omoda sub-brand leading the way.
By significantly extending electric range and supporting rapid charging, CATL’s Freevoy battery could influence how consumers view PHEVs, offering a viable alternative for those not ready to transition full EVs.