Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has just announced plans to launch its second-gen Blade battery in late 2024, potentially extending its models’ driving range while cutting costs.
Brief background
In hindsight, BYD’s battery subsidiary FinDreams initially introduced the first-gen Blade battery in 2020. It gained the interest of major industry players, including Tesla, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota, among others.
The Blade batteries also played a significant role in propelling BYD’s success in the electric vehicle industry. It powered most of the brand’s offerings, including the Seagull, Dolphin electric hatch, and Atto 3 SUV.
What’s special about the Blade batteries?
BYD expects the new Blade battery to aid in its efforts to win the “liberation battle” it initiated against gas-powered vehicles. The cutting-edge battery uses lithium-iron-phosphate as the cathode material, enabling BYD to reduce its cost substantially.
In addition, it provides higher power density compared to NCM batteries. It also sports a “Blade-like” design that improves safety while providing “ultra-long range and ultra-long lifespan.” Its longer, flatter structure optimizes space and weight to enhance battery efficiency.
Smaller and lighter version to arrive this year
As mentioned, BYD is now on track to disrupt the electric vehicle market with the imminent arrival of its second-gen Blade battery.
BYD Chief Executive Wang Chuanfu emphasized during a recent financial meeting that the new battery will be smaller and lighter compared to the first-gen variant. Nonetheless, it still boasts the same endurance.
It can further cut power consumption per 100 km, potentially boosting the driving range and performance of BYD’s EVs. It is expected to hit an energy density of 190Wh/kg. For comparison, the previous version only offered 150Wh/kg.
With a boost in energy density, the new battery could aid all-electric vehicles to surpass a CLTC-rated range of 621 miles (1,000 km). It is expected to offer the highest driving range compared to all other LFP batteries in the market today.
BYD will officially launch the new Blade battery as early as August 2024 as it seeks to undercut the pricing of gas-powered vehicles and advance as the leader in the global electric vehicle market.
BYD aims to sell a total of one million EVs in 2025, a significant increase from its 240,000 unit sales in 2023.
