From knock-off old-man's electric vehicles to industrial giant

Chapter 81 Large Single Cell Battery, Polaris Battery!!
"After a while, when the A2 battery cells are mass-produced, their energy density and lifespan will reach the top level in the industry."

"But that's not enough..."

"How are the internal plans for the next generation of large single-cell battery solutions progressing?"

Xu Yi asked.

In fact, in his view, even a system energy density of 110Wh/kg is not particularly advanced.

Before long, lithium iron phosphate battery packs with a density of 130Wh/kg will appear in the industry.

In another year or two, the system energy density of mainstream lithium iron phosphate battery packs will reach 150Wh/kg.

of course.

Their cost advantage from self-production is still undeniable.

To achieve such a high energy density, breakthroughs in performance, safety, and lifespan are also needed.

In-depth research and development is necessary, along with extensive improvements to the current battery pack formulation and overall structure.

Structurally speaking:

The current "traditional small unit + module" solution has low space utilization and is difficult to control temperature accurately, and is facing elimination.

The "large single unit + high integration" solution is the future trend.

The so-called large single cell refers to a battery structure that is more integrated, has higher energy density, and lower cost.

Here are a few well-known examples in the industry:
—Long, thin, large-cell design (BYD Blade Battery)
--Square-shaped large single cell (CATL Kirin battery)
--Large cylindrical single unit (Tesla 4680)

……

"Mr. Xu, based on the concept discussed internally before, we have initiated a preliminary technical project for the research and development of large single-cell batteries."

Currently, the technologies that can achieve the fastest R&D breakthroughs and have the best chance of mass production are—long, thin, large-cell battery cells and module-free vehicle designs.

Dong Yuxuan nodded.

to be frank.

Previously, they were in the critical stage of developing the A2 battery cell.

Xu Yi's sudden proposal of the next generation of large single-cell battery technology left the entire battery R&D team completely dumbfounded!

Because the A2 battery cell R&D project alone is not something that can be completed in a short period of time.

Formula design and pilot testing take at least 6 months.

This is just a conservative estimate.

After all, the difficulty and technological bottlenecks in purifying ferrous sulfate may take more time, and their newly established R&D team also needs time to gel.

however.

In the end, it only took a little over two months.

It's nothing special.

Compared to previous research and development processes, this has gone far too smoothly, as if everything was meant to be this way.

This has filled the entire team with confidence for the future R&D project of large single-cell batteries!
Xu Yi rubbed his chin with his fingers, and was taken aback for a moment.

Unexpectedly, their internal R&D team chose the same R&D path as BYD.

It's worth noting that BYD at this time likely already had an internal R&D project for the blade battery, but it hadn't been made public yet.

of course.

Large single-cell batteries and the concept of "CTPT module elimination" are not unique to BYD.

Two years ago, some people in universities and leading companies in the industry had already raised this issue and conducted some research on it.

Previously, LG announced the mass production of "soft-pack large single cells", which verified the feasibility of "large cells replacing multiple small cells and multiple modules".

...

"How so? Is a long, thin cell the optimal solution? But I remember that a large, square cell might have a higher energy density from a structural perspective?"

Xu Yi couldn't help but think of CATL's Kirin batteries.

Its shape is more like a square turntable, and its volume structure is also thick enough. In terms of performance and energy density, it is the first choice for high-end cars.

That thing was released in 22, a full two years later than the Blade Battery.

However, the large-cell solution didn't start with Kirin Battery. CATL began using large-size cells on a large scale as early as 18. At least for now, leading battery manufacturers definitely have related technology projects underway. "Mr. Xu, from a structural perspective, square large cells do have some advantages, but in terms of the ultimate potential, each has its own strengths and weaknesses."

But the main reason...

It's still because our current technology can't achieve that.

The mainstream wide-width coating machine we purchased has a maximum coating width of only 130mm, which just meets the volume requirements of long, thin, large single-cell batteries.

The large square unit you proposed has a width of at least 200mm.

Producing 200mm wide battery cells using a 130mm coating machine requires splicing, and mass production may cause problems with coating uniformity and stacking errors.

Moreover, the current production cost of large-sized thin-film wafers is also lower…

Dong Yuxuan shook his head.

...

Xu Yi realized that his demands were somewhat abnormal.

Limited by the current coating and stacking machine processes, producing long, thin, large single cells similar to blade batteries is probably the limit.

No matter how advanced the research and development concept is, the current precision level of industry equipment must be taken into account.

If we insist on doing it this way, the process and yield rate will explode, and it will be a losing proposition.

Even if it's a long, thin, large single cell similar to the first-generation "blade battery," if it can be released one or two years ahead of the industry, around 16-17, it could probably cause a major upheaval!
"Also, our internal research and development of long, thin, large-cell battery cells hasn't been officially named or codenamed yet. What do you think..." Dong Yuxuan couldn't help but look at Xu Yi.

"Okay, since these large, thin, long battery cells are shaped like blades, I think... let's call them Polaris batteries!"

"Well--?!"

...

Dong Yuxuan almost bit his tongue, his face full of astonishment.

No child…

What kind of naming rules are these?

Thin and long, shaped like a blade... and you named it—Polar Star Battery?

Is this right?
"Extreme represents the pursuit of the ultimate, the ultimate in technology, the ultimate in the future... Star represents the concept of our Star Auto. This naming is quite reasonable, isn't it?" Xu Yi explained in a serious tone.

Of course, he did this mainly to avoid it.

After all, by releasing the "blade battery" ahead of time, who knows if BYD had already internally named it beforehand?

Even if it doesn't cause any problems if we actually crash, it would still be quite embarrassing.

Based on current research and development expectations.

Their "Polarstar Battery" will not only be released earlier than the first-generation "Blade Battery," but its overall performance will definitely be stronger!
The other R&D personnel present wore expressions that were difficult to describe.

"That makes sense..."

"Very Beaver".

"The name 'Polaris' is so meaningful! Mr. Xu's choice of name has laid the foundation for the project's great success!"

...

Hearing the voices of "agreement" from the audience, Xu Yi suddenly understood.

Why is it that a few years later, some car companies, despite having already hired top designers with annual salaries of millions and the most professional marketing teams, are now able to achieve similar success?

The final car design and the vehicle name are so abstract and hard to understand.

really.

No matter how talented a designer is, it can't compete with the preferences of their superiors.

Currently, Xingchen Automotive's massive investment in R&D and store construction has reached an extremely exaggerated level.

Fortunately.

It's not just the liquidity brought by the elderly entertainment market.

With the passage of time and the factory's continued efforts, the hot sales of Starry Mini have finally begun!
……

(End of this chapter)