Geely Auto has introduced its groundbreaking lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, designed to last an impressive one million kilometres and remain functional for up to 50 years. This next-generation battery, known as the Aegis Short Blade, is set to power future electric vehicles (EVs) across Geely’s extensive range of brands, including Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Smart, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co, all of which are poised to expand their presence in Australia.
Enhanced design and safety features
The Aegis Short Blade boasts a new high-strength diaphragm design, significantly enhancing both energy density and safety. According to Geely, the battery’s longevity is attributed to multi-element doped electrode materials that greatly reduce internal chemical reactions. This innovative approach allows the battery to achieve up to 3500 charging cycles, equivalent to one million kilometers of driving, with minimal impact on its range.
“Based on an average family driving 20,000 kilometers annually, the new Short Blade EV Battery Technology can last up to 50 years. This not only extends the battery’s service life but also improves the residual value of second-hand EVs and reduces carbon emissions by over 80,000 tons annually,” stated Geely.
Compact and efficient
The ‘Short Blade‘ moniker refers to the battery’s compact 580mm length, which is 40 percent shorter than the traditional 960mm LFP batteries. This compact design allows for faster recharging, with a 10-80 percent top-up taking just 17 minutes, a notable improvement from the 26 minutes required by current batteries of similar energy density.
Superior performance in extreme conditions
The Aegis Short Blade excels in cold climates, retaining up to 90.54 percent of its capacity at -30 degrees Celsius, compared to the 78.96 percent retention of the previous model.
Safety is another key feature of the Short Blade. In the event of a puncture, an internal thin aluminum foil layer automatically fuses into the battery diaphragm, creating an insulation layer that prevents potential catastrophic short circuits. During rigorous testing, the battery was punctured by eight five-inch steel needles and left for an hour without any thermal events. In another test, the battery was shot with a 6.8mm bullet and remained fire-free.
Geely subjected the Short Blade to various durability tests, including submersion in seawater, exposure to fire, freezing, side-on collisions, and crushing with a 26-tonne weight. The battery outperformed existing technologies in all tests, demonstrating its robustness and safety.
While Geely has not specified the exact date for mass production, the Aegis Short Blade battery is expected to be integrated into the first EVs by late this year or early 2025. This development marks a significant leap forward in EV battery technology, promising enhanced performance, safety, and longevity.
