Aito's next EV to introduce sodium-ion battery with sub-10 min charging time

Huawei's Aito brand is working on a new electric SUV that promises to redefine charging speeds and battery technology. This all-new model is being developed in partnership with Seres, and it will feature a sodium-ion battery from CATL capable of an astonishing 12C charging rate, theoretically allowing for a full charge in 5 minutes. Obviously throttling will increase that to ensure the battery's longevity but even so we are likely looking at 10-80% charges in single-digit minutes.

The announcement came during the inauguration of two new CATL battery production lines at what is being called the "Seres Super Factory" in Chongqing. Details about the vehicle itself remain scarce, but the real headline is the cutting-edge technology hiding in its chassis. Aito, a brand born from the collaboration between tech giant Huawei and automaker Seres, is no stranger to innovation, but this latest development places it right at the front of the EV battery revolution.

The new Aito, rumored to be named the M6, will be offered in two distinct versions. The first is a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) that will use a sodium-containing battery pack called Freevoy. The inclusion of sodium will improve the battery's performance in a wider range of temperatures, a crucial factor for drivers in colder climates. The second version of the M6 will be a fully electric vehicle equipped with CATL's Qilin battery pack.

The term "12C charging" might sound like technical jargon, but its implications are simple and profound for the average driver. The 'C-rate' refers to how quickly a battery can be charged relative to its capacity. A 12C rate means the battery can theoretically be charged with twelve times its capacity per hour. In other words, a 50 kWh battery pack could accept a charging rate of up to 600 kW. A bigger 100 kWh pack needs to take 1,200 kW charging speed to reach 12C, all but eliminating the lengthy waits that have been a persistent pain point for EV adoption.

Aito's current lineup includes the M5, M7, M8, and the flagship M9 SUVs. The upcoming model is described as a "large-volume car," suggesting it will be positioned to appeal to a broad market segment rather than serving as a new top-tier flagship. Speculation points towards either a new Aito M6 or a next-generation version of the popular Aito M7, which has been previously spotted undergoing road tests. A teaser image confirms the new vehicle will be an SUV, with Seres officials claiming it will "define new luxury."

The partnership between Huawei and Seres is a unique one in the automotive world. Seres handles the vehicle platform development and manufacturing, while Huawei provides the technological backbone, including key components and its HarmonyOS operating system. Huawei also manages the domestic sales of Aito vehicles through its HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) network.

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