BYD battery subsidiary FinDreams will launch a second generation version of its blade battery later this year, possibly in August. One of the key upgrades in the new battery will be the energy density which is expected to reach 190 Wh/kg.
The original blade battery introduced in 2020 revolutionized the EV industry by making cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have power densities that made them competitive with NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) batteries. This was done by arranging the individual cells into a blade like arrangement within the battery packs hence the name blade battery. Such an arrangement increased the space utilization by 50% compared to existing LFP batteries at the time.
When introduced the first generation blade battery had an energy density of 140 Wh/kg which has since been increased to 150 Wh/kg.
BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu revealed development of the new battery during a recent financial report communication meeting. Wang Chuanfu said that the second-generation blade battery will have a smaller size and lighter weight for the same endurance, and that power consumption will be reduced per 100 kilometers.
Fast Technology speculate that the second generation blade battery will help all-electric models exceed 1,000 kilometers CLTC range. Such a range would make cars fitted with them competitive with the solid state battery being touted by IM Motors and the semi-solid state battery now in production for Nio.
If indeed the second generation blade battery can achieve over 190 Wh/kg energy density it will make the them the highest performing LFP batteries to date. BYD claim that one of the key benefits of the blade battery is that they are much safer. The company is very keen on showing the nail penetration test under which an NCM battery bursts into flames after being penetrated by a nail but the blade battery does not.
It’s believed that the second-generation blade battery will not only improve the energy density, but also optimize the size, weight and power consumption of the battery pack, further improving the range and performance of electric vehicles.
Ultimately it should result in cheaper EVs and help BYD with its aim of selling NEVs at prices less than traditional fuel powered cars and give BYD a further edge in the price war. The battery packs will be smaller and lighter which should translate into lower cost. Additionally by taking up less space with the packs there will be more space for the car’s occupants.
The news from BYD comes close on the heels of the announcement about BYD’s fifth generation DM-i plugin hybrid system which should enable cars to achieve a combined range of nearly 2,000 km.
Source: Fast Technology
Great news from BYD! This is exactly what we have been waiting for. These better batteries with around 800 kilometer WLTP will help BYD with success overseas.
Definitely exciting.
It will be interesting to read more about this Mark. Perhaps they will also do something to reduce the loss of energy in cold temp’s. As you mentioned in another article or comment this is an important challenge with todays Blade batteries (and in general with EV batteries), that I have experienced the last two (cold) winters. 😉
Seems like CATL have found a solution for that with their new Shenxing LFP battery, I think I have read that somewhere. 🙂
Anyway, looking forward to learning more from you, when you receive updates. Thank you.
Thanks Mmd. Appreciate your information and link.
The article title is: “BYD’s big move is on the way: the second-generation blade battery has been upgraded” – I read it all, and it’s actually pretty much the same as Mark told us – but he did it with fewer words. 🙂
In the long run its only battery tech China will contribute to the global market once the import taxes become universal for foreign markets.
China is losing friends everywhere.
China alone account for more than 60% worldwide EV market/production and more than 70% EV batteries are made by Chinese companies. Many foreign automakers are scaling back plans to make EVs. Meanwhile EVs account for more than 45% of the auto market in china which is the largest in the world.Your logic doesn’t make sense at all, china already own renewable energy and the EV industries worldwide. It’s the west that’s falling behind, not china.
China’s economy is in decline, too many EV manufacturers subsidised by the State and not enough buyers. Western markets will protect their own manufacturers before their markets are flooded with low cost EV’s that’s the reality I’m afraid.
I deleted comment by William Kent – please keep the discussion polite and without personal attacks. Thanks.
I can’t wait for lithium / sulphur batteries. Then you will be looking at 400 Wh / kg and weigh 40% than than lithium / ion batteries.
With the new batteries, Byd Atto 3 would reach a range of just over 500 km WLTP, not bad! Hopefully they’ve also improved the maximum charging power.
“Extended range batteries” is good news but I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop – new technology batteries, extended range….at what cost and what will the charge rate / time be for the new blade batteries? I don’t have the answers but I never get a warm fuzzy when I hear someone say – new, longer, stronger – what if any will be the trade off for longer range?
I don’t want to buy a BYD battery box until this technology gets used in it. Any idea if this is happening?
Well done BYD. Your research and development will improve the future for us all.