Overcoming Weather Challenges: New EV Battery Technology Promises All-Weather Performance
A new electric vehicle (EV) battery developed by the Chinese startup Greater Bay Technology has been asserted to operate effectively in all weather conditions. Known as the Phoenix cell, this battery employs superconducting materials and thermal management to rapidly adjust freezing temperatures to a comfortable room temperature within a span of five minutes.
Cold Weather Challenge
The introduction of electric vehicles has brought about a significant challenge in terms of battery performance under extreme temperatures. When temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius), the efficiency of EV batteries decreases, leading to concerns for vehicle owners regarding the available range.
To address this issue, car manufacturers have resorted to incorporating heat pumps in order to maintain battery temperatures within an optimal range. However, this method is considered inefficient for battery management. In 2020, Greater Bay Technology emerged as a startup aiming to revolutionize the operation of EV batteries. With their Phoenix cell, they claim to have successfully addressed a major concern faced by EV manufacturers.
Phoenix Cell by Greater Bay Technology
Phoenix Cell
The next-generation Phoenix cell, a groundbreaking innovation, boasts an impressive range of 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge. Huang, the creator, emphasizes that the use of superconducting materials and thermal management technology enables the battery to swiftly recover from frigid temperatures as low as -4 Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) to a comfortable 77 Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) in just five minutes.
Once the battery reaches its optimal operating temperature, it can be rapidly charged and achieve full capacity within a mere six minutes. This effectively eliminates the issue of extended charging times for electric vehicles and aligns with the company's vision of providing a fuel-tank-like experience comparable to conventional gasoline-powered cars. Remarkably, the Phoenix cell remains unaffected by weather conditions, whether it's a scorching hot day or an extremely cold one.
Huang expresses confidence that his technology will significantly contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The Phoenix cell is expected to make its debut as early as next year, featuring in GAC's Aion EVs and other vehicles from various car manufacturers.
In just two years, Greater Bay Technology has achieved remarkable success, becoming a unicorn company valued at $1 billion. It has positioned itself alongside industry giants in the battery sector, such as Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) and BYD, garnering significant recognition in China.
