CATL Targets Lithium-Air Batteries with Energy Density Close to Gasoline

• June 6, 2026

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is pursuing the development of lithium-air battery technology that could significantly enhance the energy storage capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs). At a recent Powering the Nation forum, Wu Kai, CATL’s chief scientist, revealed the company’s plans to create lithium-air batteries boasting theoretical energy densities that approach those of gasoline.

Advancing Battery Technology for Longer EV Range

The maximum theoretical energy density of lithium-air batteries is estimated to be around 12,000 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). This figure is notably close to gasoline’s energy density, which stands at roughly 13,000 Wh/kg. Such a breakthrough would mark a substantial improvement over current lithium-ion batteries that power most EVs today, which have significantly lower energy densities.

By developing batteries capable of storing nearly as much energy as gasoline, CATL aims to address one of the major challenges facing electric vehicles: limited driving range and the need for frequent recharging. Lithium-air technology could potentially enable electric cars to travel much longer distances on a single charge, bringing them closer to the convenience and refueling speed associated with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

The lithium-air battery achieves its high theoretical energy density by utilizing oxygen from the air as one of the battery’s reactants during discharge. This approach reduces the weight and volume of the battery since it does not have to carry the oxidizing agent internally, unlike lithium-ion batteries. However, realizing this technology in a practical, reliable, and safe form remains a significant technical challenge that industry leaders and researchers are actively addressing.

CATL, as one of the world’s largest and most influential battery manufacturers, plays a crucial role in advancing next-generation energy storage solutions. Its interest in lithium-air batteries signals the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of battery performance and enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of electric mobility.

While specific timelines or commercialization plans for CATL’s lithium-air batteries have not been disclosed, the announcement underscores the ongoing pursuit of innovative energy storage technologies that could transform the EV market in the coming years.

CATL aims to develop lithium-air batteries with energy densities nearing gasoline, potentially revolutionizing electric vehicle charging.