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Rapid advances overcome previous obstacles
Ultra-fast charging has become a key focus, with new battery systems now capable of delivering hundreds of miles of range in just a few minutes of charging. Some of the latest batteries can achieve charging rates that add over 300 miles of range in under five minutes, representing a significant leap over previous benchmarks. These advancements are made possible by innovations such as higher peak charging rates and power delivery surpassing 1 megawatt, setting new global standards for charging speed and efficiency.
Modern battery architectures are also pushing the boundaries of single-charge range. Next-generation designs are targeting ranges over 900 miles on a single charge, largely thanks to improvements in materials and cell design. The integration of silicon anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and advanced battery management systems has enabled higher energy densities, improved safety, and longer cycle life.
Another historic limitation – performance in extreme cold – is being addressed through the development of sodium-ion batteries and other chemistries that maintain over 90 per cent of their charge at temperatures as low as -40°F. These new batteries are not only more resilient in harsh climates but are also lighter, more affordable, and safer, further enhancing the accessibility of EVs worldwide.
The road ahead: mass adoption
As these breakthroughs move from the lab to the showroom, the old fears that once held back EV adoption are quickly becoming obsolete. Charging times are now measured in minutes, not hours. Driving ranges rival or exceed those of petrol cars. Cold weather, battery degradation, and infrastructure gaps are being addressed with every new generation of technology.
These recent technological breakthroughs have been developed by Chinese technology giants BYD and CATL. Despite rising geopolitical tension and the uncertainty a Sino-US trade war brings with it; we believe these businesses remain well placed to succeed. We never expected BYD to be able to access the US market. It is fast becoming the national EV champion in China, where one in every two cars sold is electric. It is also rapidly expanding its international business, which more than doubled in the most recent quarter. CATL, on the other hand, is the world's largest and most sophisticated battery manufacturer, supplying nearly 40 per cent of the global EV battery market. With other global players following behind, the pace of innovation ensures that EVs will soon be the default choice for millions. The transformation is already visible: EV sales are surging, and automakers worldwide are racing to integrate the latest battery tech into their lineups.
The age of range anxiety is over. In its place is a new era of range confidence and convenience, where the only question left is how quickly the world will switch to electric. The future, it seems, has arrived – faster than anyone dared hope.
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This communication was produced and approved in April 2025 and has not been updated subsequently. It represents views held at the time of writing and may not reflect current thinking.
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