BYD, the second generation of Blade batteries in August.

In May 2020 BYD revealed to the world its Blade lithium cells, with this interesting name given to the long and thin shape. After a long series of technical updates, which led these LFP cells to reach an energy density of 150 Wh / kg, everything seems ready for the launch of the second generation. That generation will boast greater energy density but smaller dimensions – and above all weight –.

According to several Chinese media, BYD will be ready to launch the second-generation Blade batteries as early as August 2024. The cell chemistry will be the same as the one used today, LFP Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, but the energy density may increase. up to 190Wh/kg. A significant increase compared to the 140 Wh/kg, which as mentioned later rose to 150 with technological improvements, of the first generation Blades.

There is little technical information in the possession of Chinese publications: after saying that there is a good increase in energy density, we only know that the batteries of the second generation Blade should be smaller and lighter than the current ones. The shape of the “blade” from which the name comes is confirmed.

Confirmation also about the structure in which the cells will form the battery. BYD will still use a cell-to-pack design, one where the cells are placed directly next to each other inside the battery in the direction of travel.

Not only BYD: they are the ones that Tesla also uses, with excellent results, in the German-made Model Ys.

A structure that in addition to improving energy density, It also offers significant security benefits. Related to this, BYD shared a video some time ago where the Blade’s battery was crushed, bent, overheated in a 300 degree oven and overcharged by up to 260%, all without exploding or catching fire.

In addition to domestically produced vehicles, BYD’s Blade batteries are also widely used in other manufacturers’ vehicles. For example, the batteries inside the German-made Tesla Model Y come from BYD.