Chinese battery giant CATL unveils new EV batteries for Europe

China's CATL, the world's largest battery maker, on Sunday unveiled its latest generation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the European market, highlighting a growing presence and commitment in the region.

The launch held in Munich, Germany came two days before the opening of the 2025 IAA Mobility show, Europe's leading auto industry gathering.

Europe is undergoing a fast-paced shift towards electrification, while concerns over the high price of EVs, limited driving range, battery lifespan, charging convenience and safety continue to challenge widespread adoption. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, featuring high safety and cost-effectiveness, has gained traction among European automakers.

The new battery, dubbed "Shenxing Pro," is based on LFP chemistry and will be offered in two versions tailored to the European market.

A long-life model is designed for up to 12 years or 1 million kilometers of use. It offers a maximum driving range of 758 kilometers, far surpassing the typical 300-500 km range seen in many LFP batteries today. Its longevity and range make it an ideal choice for the European market, where consumers often require long-distance travel capabilities.

In addition, the battery experiences only 9-percent degradation after 200,000 kilometers of driving. The outstanding asset retention makes it highly compatible with the long-term leasing model in the European market.

The other version is a fast-charging model, which can add 478 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes of charging. Even in an environment of minus 20 degrees Celsius, it only takes 20 minutes to charge the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent.

Zhu Lingbo, chief technology officer of CATL's international business unit, said the product was developed to adapt to European driving habits, including higher speeds on highways, longer lifespans for leased and used vehicles, and reliable performance in colder weather.

CATL entered the European market in 2012 through a strategic partnership with German carmaker BMW. It now operates EV production factories in Germany and Hungary, with a third plant under construction in Spain through a joint venture with Stellantis.

"Our global journey starts here in Europe," said Tan Libin, chief customer officer of CATL, noting that the company now works with around 90 percent of European carmakers.

According to Tan, CATL has supplied batteries for more than 20 million EVs worldwide.

(With input from Xinhua)