EV adoption accelerates with record growth in 2025
In 2025, 4 million electric cars will be on Europe’s roads, up from 3.2 million last year, according to the International Energy Agency. Despite the complexities of shifting from combustion to electric, EV penetration has risen from 23% to 26% in the first half of 2025, with projections suggesting it will reach 29% by year-end (SNE and MarkLines data).
No fire and no smoke
The need for high-performing yet safe batteries is growing. At IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, CATL, the global leader in energy storage solutions, introduced Shenxing Pro, the world’s first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capable of sustaining high-voltage output and steady power without the risk of fire or smoke after a thermal event. According to CATL, this makes it the optimal solution for Europe’s rapidly expanding EV market.
New technology for CATL
High costs, battery life, limited range, and gaps in charging and safety remain top concerns for European drivers hesitant about EVs. CATL says its new Shenxing Pro technology directly tackles these barriers.
The company’s proprietary NP 3.0 platform integrates breakthroughs in chemistry, mechanics, systems, and controls. Available in two versions, it offers:
- A WLTP range of 758 km and a record lifespan of 12 years or 1,000,000 km, with just 9% degradation after the first 200,000 km, making it ideal for Europe’s leasing markets.
- A 478 km WLTP range from just 10 minutes of charging, equal to 0.8 km per second, making it Europe’s fastest-charging LFP battery. Delivering 830 kW and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 2.5 seconds even at 20% state of charge, it ensures consistent durability across conditions. It also performs in extreme cold, reaching 410 km in 20 minutes at -20°C.
No rivals in sight
CATL says NP 3.0, which stands for “No Propagation,” is the product of seven years of research. It can sustain high-voltage output for over an hour after a thermal incident, maintaining vehicle speed and allowing drivers to calmly move away from danger, without fire or smoke.
For autonomous vehicles at levels 3 and 4, where responsibility for accidents shifts to onboard systems, Shenxing Pro ensures uninterrupted power and system continuity. “Shenxing Pro seamlessly merges world-class safety standards with mobility needs, offering a safer, more efficient, and worry-free experience for every trip,” said Lingbo Zhu, CTO of CATL’s International Business Unit in Munich.
Strengthening Europe’s e-mobility ecosystem
CATL’s credibility is backed by scale: collaborations with over 200 automakers worldwide and more than 1,000 suppliers in Europe. With Shenxing Pro, the company deepens its long-term commitment to sustainable mobility in Europe, where it has invested more than €11 billion, including local supply chains, universities, and technical institutes.
Leadership in batteries
According to CATL, Shenxing Pro is the world’s first battery enabling cooling and fastening systems to be applied from any direction, unlike earlier designs that limited integration. Vehicle batteries must be securely fixed to withstand impacts and vibrations, but traditional pack designs restricted mounting points, reducing flexibility. The new omnidirectional design offers automakers greater freedom in placing the battery within the chassis, optimizing space and weight distribution.
Efficient cooling is critical for safety and longevity. Allowing thermal management systems to be applied from any direction, side, top, or bottom, simplifies vehicle design and enhances battery performance.
The pack also achieves omnidirectional vibration suppression, increasing structural rigidity by 25% and doubling durability. A stiffer pack better protects internal cells from mechanical damage. Shenxing Pro also goes beyond conventional “cell-to-body” approaches, where cells integrate directly into the chassis. With its advanced cell design, it reaches a remarkable 76% pack volume efficiency, maximizing cell space and minimizing weight.