The Era of 80-Degree Range Extenders Arrives, CATL Plays the "High Nickel Trump Card"

Recently, there have been reports that CATL plans to launch a new generation of 8-series high-nickel batteries next year, which are expected to be used in range-extended models of several leading emerging brands. This move is seen by the industry as an important signal of the high-nickel battery technology route returning to the mainstream market.

Image source: CATL

The 8-series high-nickel battery is a type of ternary lithium-ion battery, with a ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in the positive electrode material of approximately 8:1:1. This type of battery was widely used in several pure electric vehicle models due to its high energy density. However, several years ago, due to the immature thermal management technology, it led to a number of thermal runaway incidents, gradually being replaced by 5-series and 6-series medium-nickel ternary batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. Nevertheless, CATL has never stopped its research and development on this technology and has publicly emphasized the importance of high-nickel batteries in the high-end market.

Currently, range-extended and plug-in hybrid vehicles are showing a trend towards "large batteries." In 2024, some new models are expected to have battery pack capacities exceeding 60 kWh, with further increases anticipated to 80 kWh next year. It is known that several models, including Leap Motor's D series new products, Xiaomi's range-extended vehicles, and a certain plug-in hybrid model from Great Wall Motors, plan to be equipped with approximately 80 kWh large capacity battery packs, with pure electric range expected to reach around 500 kilometers.

Arranging a larger capacity battery within a limited chassis space requires higher energy density. Compared to lithium iron phosphate or mid-nickel ternary solutions, 8-series high-nickel batteries can provide higher energy per unit weight, helping to reduce vehicle weight, optimize range and dynamic performance. However, they also face challenges such as poorer thermal stability, shorter cycle life, and higher costs.

Although medium-nickel batteries currently achieve a good balance between performance and safety, some car manufacturers still choose to explore high-nickel routes in order to highlight features such as long range and strong power in the fiercely competitive market. For CATL, returning to 8-series high-nickel also carries strategic intentions. In recent years, the market share of lithium iron phosphate batteries has been continuously expanding, and as a leading enterprise in the ternary technology field, CATL urgently needs to achieve technological breakthroughs to consolidate its industry voice.

Industry insiders reveal that CATL's newly launched 8-series high-nickel battery is expected to be paired with a new generation of thermal management systems and lifespan optimization technologies to address past safety and durability concerns. However, there are still uncertainties regarding cost control for this battery solution. Although the amount of cobalt has been reduced, the high manufacturing and R&D costs, along with the lack of economies of scale, mean that the overall vehicle cost equipped with this battery may not decrease significantly.

Whether high-nickel batteries can truly return to the mainstream market still requires multiple tests of safety, cost-effectiveness, and market acceptance.