BYD readying next-gen batteries with 1,000 kilometers of range

Stuff carries an article about BYD which is working on its second-generation ‘Blade’ batteries, which promise big range and lower costs, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

BYD is working on its second-generation ‘Blade’ batteries, which promise big range and lower costs.

The technology will be an upgrade of the current lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) design, according to BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu, through Chinese website Fast Technology.

It will be smaller, lighter and more efficient than the current crop of LFP batteries seen in BYD’s models on sale in New Zealand and boast capacities up to 190kWh. At the moment, the Seal offers the most range out of BYD’s offerings with up to 570km on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle from its 82.56kWh battery.

The new batteries will touch the 1000km mark, but on the more generous CLTC, or China Light-Duty Vehicles Test Cycle. Despite that, the new batteries will comfortably out-range the current ones, although it will be interesting to see if the top configuration beats out the likes of the Zeekr 009’s 822km WLTP range claim.

While the 1000km range claim is certainly impressive, what’s arguably more interesting is how the new batteries will affect the smaller cars. Something like the next-generation Dolphin could boast the 500km-plus range of a current Tesla Model Y Long Range with a smaller, more efficient battery pack. Assuming, of course, the SUV craze doesn’t kill them off in the meantime.

BYD isn’t the only one working on new batteries. Solid state cells, long hailed as the next big step in battery tech, are on the way from the likes of Toyota, but not until around 2027.

Last we heard, Toyota’s tech would offer around 1200km of range with more powerful fast charging capabilities and higher life expectancy than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

In the meantime, Toyota last year promised ‘Performance’ lithium-ion batteries for 2026 with up to 800km of range, 10-80 per cent charge times of 20 minutes, and a 20 per cent cost reduction. Around the same time, the ‘Popularisation’ battery will shift to a bipolar lithium iron phosphate (LFP) design with a 600km range, a 40 per cent cost reduction, 10-80 per cent charge times of 30 minutes.

Volkswagen also has solid state batteries in the works, with tests back in January showing a 5 per cent storage capacity loss after more than 1,000 charging cycles, the equivalent of 500,000 kilometers on the road.