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CATL’s Lithium-Metal Prototype Doubles Lifespan to 483 Cycles at 500 Wh/kg

A LiFSI salt–based electrolyte boosts cell conductivity and stability to steer the technology toward electric vehicle and aviation use

CATL battery cells
catl erlebniszentrum chengdu 2024 04

Overview

  • CATL’s latest LMB prototype delivers a doubled lifespan of 483 charge cycles while maintaining an energy density of 500 Wh/kg
  • Adoption of a LiFSI-lithium salt electrolyte curbs capacity loss and prevents “dead lithium” buildup for enhanced cell stability
  • The advance brings Li-metal cells closer to practical electric vehicle and electric aviation deployment but still requires extensive durability validation
  • CATL invested $2.59 billion in battery research during 2024 to translate laboratory breakthroughs into commercial applications
  • Parallel studies, including a January 2025 report, show highly concentrated electrolytes can extend Li-metal battery life to 3,000 cycles at 80% capacity, underscoring industry momentum