For comparison, current batteries in Teslas and other electric cars only come with 8-year warranty, and for 70% capacity retention at that, so CATL’s new battery can nearly double the worry-free lifespan of an electric vehicle.
The new CATL battery is designed for longer life and stability, rather than performance, hence it comes with a comparatively low 175 Wh/kg energy density that is still the highest in the electric bus industry.
A 15-year EV warranty, argues NIO, will create a viable market for used electric cars, as people will stop worrying about expensive out-of-warranty battery replacements. CATL already warrants the batteries it provides for NIO’s thousands of swap stations for 12 years, so it is getting there. CATL says that its new battery tech is now going into more than 80 vehicle models by 13 companies.