Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) designated lithium-air batteries as its primary next-generation technology focus. Chief Scientist Wu Kai announced the strategic pivot at the 2026 Powering the Nation Forum. This marks the first time the world’s largest battery manufacturer has publicly committed to lithium-air as its long-term research direction.
Lithium-air technology replaces heavy internal cathode materials with oxygen from the air. This design offers a theoretical energy density approaching that of gasoline. The breakthrough could enable electric vehicles to achieve a range exceeding 1,600 km (1,000 miles) on a single charge.
The technology surpasses the projected capabilities of next-generation solid-state batteries. While Wu Kai acknowledged commercial deployment remains years away, the move signals a strategy to dominate the post-2030 electric mobility market. CATL aims to maintain its global leadership through this transformative technology.