CATL has begun selling a large-format 587-Ah lithium iron phosphate cell for stationary energy-storage systems. Each unit operates at a nominal 3.2 volts and stores 1.88 kWh. At that capacity, about 27 cells would provide roughly 50 kWh—an energy comparison, not a sign that the cells are intended for use in a car battery.
Listed on CATL Mall at 435 yuan per kWh (about R$335 per kWh), the cells are not available as individual purchases. Buyers must order at least 324, giving a total capacity of approximately 608 kWh. Each cell measures 31 cm long, just over 22 cm high and 7.3 cm thick, and weighs 10.6 kg.
The article compares the cell’s energy capacity with automotive formats: around 110 Volkswagen/PowerCo Unified Cells or more than 500 Tesla 4680 cells would be needed to reach 50 kWh. One CATL unit holds about as much energy as four Unified Cells or roughly 20 4680s. But its maximum charge and discharge rate is 0.5C, which the company’s figures distinguish from the higher power demands of vehicle-traction batteries.
For stationary storage, the larger format can reduce the number of cells, connections and components that need monitoring. CATL says the cell is rated for 8,000 cycles at 25°C before its remaining capacity falls to 70% of the original. It contains about 87% more energy than a 314-Ah cell, according to the article.