As we covered recently, General Motors sales in China have largely collapsed, and this is also having a knock-on effect on joint venture partner SAIC. Part of the problem for General Motors has been its lack of competitivity against local brands when it comes to NEVs, and what brand cachet it once had seems to have evaporated. However, a new battery may yet help GM save the situation in China.

On September 25, SAIC-GM issued a document saying that, in conjunction with CATL, it had developed the industry’s first 6C ultra-fast charging lithium iron phosphate battery. Perhaps the most important aspect of what that means is that the new batteries can provide the equivalent of 200 km of range in five minutes.

C stands for charging rate, which is calculated by dividing the charging current (A) by the battery’s rated capacity (Ah). The higher the charging rate, the faster the battery can be charged or discharged.

What is particularly exciting about the announcement is that the battery is a lithium iron phosphate unit. Not only are these traditionally cheaper than NMC type batteries, but they are also believed to be safer. Currently, Zeekr claims to have the fastest charging battery in an EV with its golden brick battery. The second generation version of this battery is 5.5C charging, which allows the battery to go from 10% to 80% SoC in 10.5 minutes.

The bad news is that it appears buyers will have to wait until next year to buy cars equipped with the new battery. It will be integrated into an updated Ultium platform that includes quasi-900V architecture.

The new batteries incorporate several novel atomic-level fast-charging technologies in the battery field. These include features such as super-electronic network cathode technology, second-generation graphite fast ion ring technology, ultra-high conductivity electrolyte formulation, nano-scale ultra-thin SEI solid electrolyte interface film, and optimized high porosity isolation film.

The second-generation graphite ion ring technology combined with the multi-gradient layered plates creates a highway for current conduction, significantly reducing charging and discharging times. Fully nanosized lithium iron phosphate material builds a 4-way ultra-electronic network, Improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and thereby enhancing charging efficiency while still maintaining stability.

Presumably, the new batteries will be featured in a new model. This could be a production version of the Buick Electra-L or Electra-LT concepts shown earlier this year at the Beijing Auto Show.

Source: Fast Technology