CATL, the leading battery manufacturer in the world, introduced a slew of new cutting-edge battery products during the 2026 Tech Day. The company introduced batteries designated for passenger vehicles, including PHEV and EREV, as well as battery swap solutions.

Let’s start with the third-generation Qlin battery, which holds a 125 kWh capacity, enough to power the vehicle for at least 620 miles before needing a recharge. The battery is based on the nickel-cobalt-manganese chemistry, and the impressive capacity isn’t even the highlight feature.

According to CATL, the battery charging rate is equivalent to 10C and peaks at 15C. That translates to 4-6 minutes of charging to full. Of course, those numbers are theoretical, and the charging power also depends on temperature, charging stations, etc.

The energy density is also mighty impressive. The volumetric energy density is 600 Wh/L, while the gravimetric density is said to be 280 Wh/kg. That makes the pack significantly smaller and lighter, tipping the scale at 1,378 lb, or 562 lb lighter than comparable LFP batteries.

This will allow engineers to design lighter cars with more cabin space. Additionally, the vehicles equipped with the said battery will have lower consumption, increased safety when maneuvering and also reduce the stress on certain components, extending their lifespan.

CATL also showcased a Qlin Condensed battery with 350 Wh/kg gravimetric density and 760 Wh/L volumetric density. With a battery this size, CATL predicts that big sedans will be able to reach 932 miles ranges, while full-sized SUVs will be able to reach 620 miles on a single charge.

The third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging battery aims to solve the charging time issues. Just like the Qlin battery, its theoretical charging power is capable of equivalent 10C with a peak of 15C.

According to CATL’s tests, the pack can charge from 10% to 35% in just one minute, while a 10% to 80% charge takes only 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Going from 10% to 98% takes only 6 minutes and 27 seconds. Even in extremely cold temperatures of −30°C, the battery can perform just as well, charging from 20% to 98% in 9 minutes.

After 1,000 complete charging cycles, the battery retains more than 90% of its capacity, again according to CATL’s internal tests.

The Freevoy Super Hybrid battery, on the other hand, moves to the second generation. It’s designed for PHEV and EREV models and offers 311 miles of pure electric range and supports an equivalent 10C charging speed. CATL says this battery will enable a “once-a-week charging” experience for EREV models.

The battery is based on the LFP chemistry and has 230 Wh/kg energy density, but an NCM version was also introduced. It supports the same equivalent 10C charging speed and provides 373 miles of pure electric range.

Last but not least, CATL introduced #26 Choco-Swap battery, succeeding the #20 and #22 versions. The newer battery now covers all vehicle classes with an 800-volt architecture. The first #26 Choco-Swap battery to hit the market will be 75 kWh, but larger batteries are also in the works.

Both Choco-Swap and Qiji swap stations for heavy-duty trucks will come standard with the Shenxing superfast charging piles.

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On April 15, SAIC officially pulled the covers off the new 2026 MG4. This popular hatchback is getting ready for its big public party at the Beijing Auto Show. The car might look familiar to fans of the brand, but it packs a lot of new surprises under the metal.

The 2026 MG4 keeps the familiar look that made the original model a hit. It still has the pointy headlights and the black bumper at the bottom that gives it a sporty vibe. If you look closely at the front, you will see a small blue light. This is not just for show. It tells people outside the car when the computer is helping the driver. On the side, the car keeps its “floating roof” look, which makes the top part of the car seem like it is hovering. To freshen things up, MG added a new set of 17-inch rims.

2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

Inside the cabin, the changes are even bigger. MG is offering two new interior colors called Yacht Blue and Midnight Purple. These colors make the car feel more like a lounge than a standard commuter vehicle. The dashboard looks very clean because the air vents are hidden from view. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen with a high-quality 2.5K resolution sits in the middle of the dash. The driver also gets an 8.8-inch digital screen to show speed and battery levels.

One of the coolest updates is the new Doubao 3.0 smart assistant built into the car. You can talk to it normally, and it will understand what you need. Even better, it has four-zone voice recognition. This means if someone in the back seat asks to change the music, the car knows exactly who is talking. The AI can open the sunroof, change the air conditioning, or find a nearby restaurant just by listening to your voice.

2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

Comfort is a big deal in the 2026 MG4. The front seats come with a massage feature that hits eight different points on your back. They are also heated and ventilated, so you stay comfortable whether it is hot or cold outside. The person in the front passenger seat even gets an electric leg rest. This is a feature you usually only see in very expensive limousines. People in the back are not forgotten, either. The rear seat cushions are 22.5 inches long, giving passengers plenty of support for their legs on long trips.

The new MG4 gets a smart driving system from Horizon Robotics. It gives the car “Level 2 Plus” abilities. This means the car can help with driving on the highway. It can stay in its lane, change lanes when you use the turn signal, and even overtake slower cars on its own. The car is also great at parking. It can find spots at low speeds and park itself in “dead-end” roads where space is very tight.

Interior of the 2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

When it comes to power, the MG4 has plenty of it. The single electric motor produces 120 kW, which is about 161 horsepower. It also has 184 lb-ft of torque, which helps the car pull away from stoplights quickly. Buyers can choose between two main battery sizes. The 42.8 kWh battery lets you drive about 272 miles on a single charge. If you need more, the 53.9 kWh battery goes up to 329 miles. There is even a semi-solid-state battery version that can travel 317 miles.

Charging is a breeze as well. Thanks to the 3C fast charging support, you can go from a 30% battery to 80% in 18 minutes. For those who enjoy driving, the steering has been improved with a dual-pinion system, making it feel more connected to the road compared to older systems. The MG4 has been a huge success so far, selling over 10,000 units every month in China. With all these new upgrades, it looks like that success will continue for a long time.

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