Stronger, further, faster, cheaper, smaller! BYD execs are hyping the next generation Blade battery. Would you bet against them delivering?

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024 John Mahoney 15002 Views BYD, Seal

BYD says its next generation Blade batteries launching in 2025 will be smaller, safer, cheaper and provide more than 30 per cent more range compared to today’s power packs.

BYD is currently the world’s second-biggest battery producer behind CATL and supplies power packs to other car-makers, including arch-rival Tesla, as well as Toyota, Kia and Hyundai.

Confirming the state-of-the-art Blade batteries are on track for a 2025 arrival, BYD managing director of Central Asia, Cao Shuang, told Chinese media: “I think in the coming year, 2025, BYD will introduce the new generation of our remarkable Blade battery.”

Cao announced the new batteries would “enhance the driving distance” of BYDs.

Full details will be released later, but it’s thought the new LFP’s batteries will set new standards in an already fast-moving world of battery development.

The new battery cells are expected to offer greater power density, take up less space and be considerably cheaper to make while delivering class-leading range and ultra-fast charging.

Last April, BYD CEO and founder Wang Chaunfu teased that the new family of Blade batteries would deliver a range of 1000km on the more lenient CLTC test cycle.

With claims circulating the new batteries will deliver at least 30 per cent more range, it’s thought cars like the BYD Seal Premium sold in Australia would have its range boosted from 570km (WTLP) to around 740km.

And that’s a conservative estimate.

It’s thought the new batteries could give BYD the edge it needs to continue to outsell Tesla globally.

Last month BYD said it sold more than 500,000 vehicles globally in October, alone, with trucks and buses making a small contribution to sales alongside plug-in hybrids and EVs.