CATL has introduced the third generation of its Shenxing LFP battery, claiming a full charge in about six minutes under ideal conditions. The company also says the pack maintains strong low-temperature charging performance, retains more than 90% state of health after 1,000 ultra-fast charging cycles, and uses new cooling and self-heating technologies aimed at improving real-world usability.
CATL has revealed the third generation of its Shenxing battery at its Tech Day event, marking another step in the race to make electric-vehicle charging closer to the speed of refueling a conventional car. The company says the new lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery can reach a full charge in roughly six minutes under the right conditions.
The announcement comes as Chinese battery makers continue to compete on charging speed, energy density, and cold-weather performance. CATL’s latest claims arrive shortly after BYD promoted fast-charging improvements for its own battery technology, underscoring how quickly the battery arms race is accelerating.
Charging claims and performance figures
CATL says the third-generation Shenxing battery can charge from 10% to 35% in just one minute. It then reportedly reaches 10% to 80% in 3 minutes and 44 seconds, and 10% to 98% in 6 minutes and 27 seconds.
The company also says the battery can charge to 98% in 9 minutes at -30°C, highlighting a focus on winter usability. That matters because cold temperatures remain one of the biggest obstacles to fast EV charging, especially in markets with harsh winters.
Lower resistance and improved thermal management
CATL says the new battery has an internal resistance of just 0.25 milliohms, which it describes as the lowest among ultra-fast-charging batteries.
To support the faster charging, CATL says it has added several new technologies. These include Cell Shoulder Cooling Technology, which the company says improves cooling efficiency by 20%, as well as Precise Temperature Measurement Technology for multi-point cell monitoring.
CATL also highlighted a pulse rapid self-heating system designed to solve the problem of charging quickly in very cold conditions. According to the company, this approach allows low-temperature fast charging without requiring specialized charging hardware.
Battery durability and long-term use
CATL says the Shenxing 3rd Gen battery keeps its state of health above 90% after 1,000 ultra-fast charging cycles. If that figure holds up in the real world, it would suggest the battery is not only fast to charge but also durable enough for frequent use.
That kind of longevity is important for fleet operators and private owners alike. Fast charging is useful only if it does not dramatically reduce battery life, so cycle retention is a key measure for judging whether a technology can move beyond marketing claims.
More products in CATL’s battery lineup
Alongside Shenxing III, CATL also introduced a third-generation Qilin ternary lithium battery with similar charging speed claims. The company said it is also rolling out other battery families, including Freevoy II and Naxtra.
CATL further presented an integrated solution combining ultra-fast charging and battery swapping. At -30°C, the company says vehicles could either charge to 98% in 9 minutes or use a battery swap option instead.
CATL’s market position
CATL remains the dominant force in China’s power battery market. According to CABIA data cited in the source, the company held a 48.3% market share this year, far ahead of BYD at 17% and CALB at 5.9%.
CPCA data suggests CATL’s share climbed above 50% in Q1 2026. If accurate, that would reinforce CATL’s lead at a time when rivals are also moving quickly on next-generation batteries.
Why this matters
Charging speed is one of the main barriers to wider EV adoption. A battery that can add meaningful range in minutes reduces one of the most common objections to electric cars and makes long-distance travel easier to plan.
The winter-charging focus is also significant. In many regions, cold-weather performance can be the difference between a technology that looks impressive on paper and one that feels practical in daily use.
Why This Matters
CATL’s latest battery announcement matters because it targets two of the biggest concerns for EV buyers: charging time and cold-weather performance. If the company’s claims are achieved in production vehicles, drivers could see refueling-like charging speeds without needing special infrastructure.
The move also raises the competitive stakes in China’s battery industry. With CATL and BYD both pushing faster charging and better durability, the pressure is increasing on automakers to turn these advances into mass-market products that actually deliver the promised gains.
Key Specs
- Battery name: CATL Shenxing 3rd Generation
- Battery chemistry: LFP (lithium iron phosphate)
- 10% to 35% charge: 1 minute
- 10% to 80% charge: 3 minutes 44 seconds
- 10% to 98% charge: 6 minutes 27 seconds
- Cold-weather charge: 98% in 9 minutes at -30°C
- Internal resistance: 0.25 milliohms
- Cooling improvement: 20% claimed gain
- Cycle durability: Above 90% SoH after 1,000 ultra-fast charging cycles
- Related products shown: Qilin III, Freevoy II, Naxtra
Source: CarNewsChina
