Is China’s EV Giant, BYD, Challenging Tesla? Warren Buffett-backed BYD surpassed Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023 to become the world’s leading EV manufacturer, selling more battery-powered vehicles than its U.S. competitor (source). The secret to BYD’s success could be their ground-breaking Blade Battery!
BYD’s Blade Battery, set to mitigate concerns about battery safety in EV, is a significant innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
In a striking demonstration, BYD showcased the Blade Battery enduring the rigorous nail penetration test, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of battery tests.
During this test, the Blade Battery neither emitted smoke nor caught fire, with its surface temperature peaking between 30 to 60°C. In stark contrast, a ternary lithium battery under the same conditions exceeded 500°C and ignited violently, while a conventional lithium iron phosphate battery, although not emitting flames or smoke, reached hazardous surface temperatures of 200 to 400°C. This implies that EVs equipped with the Blade Battery would be far less susceptible to catching fire – even when they are severely damaged.
The Blade Battery also withstood other extreme test conditions, including crushing, bending, heating in a furnace to 300°C, and overcharging by 260%, without causing any fire or explosion.
Key Features and Advantages of the Blade Battery
In recent years, the competition among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers has largely centered on achieving greater cruising ranges. This intense focus on range has driven battery makers to pursue higher “energy density” in their designs, often at the expense of safety. However, BYD’s Blade Battery brings a much-needed shift in priorities by placing battery safety at the forefront.
The 4 distinct advantages of Blade Battery according to He Long, Vice President of BYD and Chairman of FinDreams Battery Co., Ltd is
- High Starting Temperature for Exothermic Reactions: The Blade Battery requires a higher temperature to initiate exothermic reactions, which means it is less likely to overheat under normal operating conditions. This enhances the overall safety of the battery by reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
- Slow Heat Release: The Blade Battery releases heat slowly, allowing for better thermal management and reducing the likelihood of sudden temperature spikes. This feature helps maintain a stable and safe operating environment within the battery pack.
- Low Heat Generation: By generating less heat during operation, the Blade Battery minimizes the risk of overheating. This contributes to the longevity of the battery and ensures that it remains within safe temperature ranges during both charging and discharging.
- No Oxygen Release During Breakdowns: The Blade Battery is designed not to release oxygen during breakdowns, which significantly lowers the risk of fires. Oxygen release in conventional batteries can fuel fires, but the Blade Battery’s design prevents this, making it much safer in the event of damage or failure.
Innovations behind BYD Blade Battery
Several patents have been filed by BYD related to this technology. Here are some key patents associated with the Blade Battery:
- Battery Pack, Vehicle, and Energy Storage Device (Publication Number: 20240128565)
- One of the key features of this battery is the high energy density and improved space utilization by eliminating internal support structures like transverse and longitudinal beams. This patent just talks about that: a battery pack that includes a cell array and a support member, designed to optimize the space utilization and safety of the battery pack.
2. Method and System for Controlling Battery Swapping of Vehicle, and Vehicle (Publication Number: 20240131955)
- This patent describes a method and system for controlling the battery swapping process in vehicles, enhancing the efficiency and safety of swapping operations.
3. Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Power System Thereof (Publication Number: 20240140393)
- This patent covers a hybrid power system that integrates an engine, a power motor, and a power battery, focusing on maintaining vehicle balance and smoothness at low speeds.
4. End Cover Assembly for an Electrochemical Cell (Patent Number: 8420254)
- This patent details an end cover assembly for a battery, which includes a cover plate and a connector, designed to enhance the sealing and safety of the battery.
5. Vehicle with a Battery System (Patent Number: 8404379)
- This patent involves a battery system for a vehicle that includes multiple battery packs, each comprising several cells, designed to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the vehicle’s power system.
These patents reflect BYD’s commitment to advancing battery technology, particularly in terms of safety, efficiency, and practical applications in electric vehicles. The Blade Battery, with its unique design and safety features, stands out as a revolutionary development in the EV industry.
BYD Models Featuring the Advanced Blade Battery
BYD has incorporated the Blade Battery into several of its electric vehicle models. Some of the prominent models equipped with the Blade Battery include: BYD Han EV, BYD Tang EV, BYD Qin Plus EV, BYD Song Plus EV and BYD Dolphin.
BYD Strategic Collaborations
BYD has been collaborating with other car manufacturers to introduce its Blade Battery technology into their vehicles. This strategy not only helps BYD expand the adoption of its advanced battery technology but also allows other automakers to benefit from the safety and performance advantages of the Blade Battery.
Some notable collaborations are with Toyota, Daimler and Honda.
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