KATHMANDU: Chinese battery maker CATL is exploring lithium-air battery technology that could eventually give electric vehicles a driving range of up to 2,000 km on a single charge. However, the technology is still in the research stage, with no confirmed timeline for production.
According to IT Home, lithium-air batteries could offer much higher energy density than current battery technologies. Their theoretical energy density is estimated at around 3,505 Wh/kg, several times higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries.
CATL Chief Scientist Wu Kai identified lithium-air technology as a long-term research project at the 2026 Equipment Powerhouse Forum. The company has not announced any plans to bring it into production.
Unlike conventional batteries, lithium-air technology uses oxygen from the air to produce electricity. During discharge, lithium reacts with oxygen to form lithium peroxide. The process is reversed when the battery is charged.
This technology could help reduce battery weight while storing more energy. However, there are still several challenges to overcome.
The battery needs a system to control the air entering it and protect its internal components from moisture and carbon dioxide. It must also remain stable through repeated charging and discharging.
The additional equipment needed to filter air and manage temperature could also add weight and affect efficiency.
CATL is currently focusing on sodium-ion and all-solid-state batteries, which are closer to commercial use. Lithium-air technology remains a long-term research project.
