BYD to produce denser and safer batteries

Chinese electric vehicle OEM BYD presented its latest Blade Battery cells at an online event during which Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu explains how the battery addresses 2 issues: density and safety.

Density

BYD’s lithium iron phosphate battery is designed in such a way, that they take less space in battery packs. Typically, only 40% of the battery pack contains actual battery cells, whereas BYD’s design allows to increase the battery surface to 60% of the pack, allowing for more EV autonomy.

Safety

During the presentation, BYD demonstrated the results of a nail penetration test, simulating a car accident with battery damage. The OEM claims that, when punctured, its batteries don’t emit smoke nor fire and stay below 60°C.

First implementation

The Blade battery will be used in the BYD Han, a handsome 4-door sedan said to launch in June 2020. The Han will have a range of 605 km NEDC (probably less in reality) and do a 0-100 km/h in just under 4 seconds.

Picture Credit: BYD Newsroom