CATL battery becomes first to eliminate fire and explosion risk during failure

Inside EVs has reported that CATL’s electric vehicle battery has become the first to meet a newly established Chinese safety standard that requires no risk of fire or explosion, even in the event of internal thermal runaway.

The battery passed tests conducted by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), which validated that the product complies with the GB 38031-2025 standard.

The model is already in use in vehicles from Zeekr, Aito, Li Auto and Neta.

Battery design enables improved energy density and range

According to CATL, the certified battery was originally launched in 2022 and uses third-generation Cell to Pack (CTP) technology.

This design allows for 72% volume utilisation and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg.

CATL stated that this supports driving ranges of over 1,000 kilometres under the CLTC test cycle and around 700 kilometres under the European WLTP standard.

Thermal management and charging performance enhanced

CATL reported that the battery’s structure integrates a liquid cooling plate, reinforcement crossbar and thermal pad into a single internal layer.

This compact configuration increases the heat exchange surface area by up to four times.

The manufacturer said this enables the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 10 minutes using 5C charging.

CATL added: “The next generation of the technology may achieve charging rates of up to 6C.”

CATL battery already deployed in commercial vehicles

Inside EVs reported that the approved battery is already installed in models such as the Zeekr 7X.

This vehicle features a 100 kWh pack and achieves up to 780 kilometres of range in the Chinese cycle and 615 kilometres under WLTP.

CATL stated that more than 18 million vehicles globally use its batteries.

The company said it continues to develop systems that improve thermal control, structural protection and charging safety.

CATL electric vehicle battery achieves zero fire risk certification in China: Summary

A CATL electric vehicle battery has passed China’s new GB 38031-2025 safety certification.

The certification was issued by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC).

The battery is the first to meet the standard, which requires no fire or explosion during thermal runaway.

It was first launched in 2022 and uses third-generation Cell to Pack (CTP) technology.

The design provides 72% volume utilisation and energy density up to 255 Wh/kg.

The battery supports over 1,000 kilometres range in CLTC testing and 700 kilometres in WLTP.

It includes a liquid cooling plate, crossbar and thermal pad in one layer.

This allows recharging from 10% to 80% in about 10 minutes at 5C power.

The battery is used in commercial models including the Zeekr 7X.

More than 18 million vehicles globally are powered by CATL batteries.

CATL said it is continuing to develop technology that improves fire prevention and charging performance.