China-based battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has announced a groundbreaking development in battery technology that could potentially power long-range electric cars and planes. With its new 'condensed' battery, CATL claims to store almost double the power of Tesla's top-of-the-range 4680 cell, which was considered a game-changer just a few months ago. Will this innovation bring electric motoring dreams to reality?

The new battery's remarkable energy density has the potential to enable electric vehicles (EVs) to travel up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. This breakthrough could also have a significant impact on the aviation industry by removing technological barriers that have hindered the development of electric-powered passenger flights.

CATL achieved this milestone by utilizing semisolid-state battery technology, which employs partially solid electrolytes instead of the traditional liquid or gel electrolytes found in current lithium-ion batteries. This advancement not only increases energy density but also holds the promise of smaller, more affordable EV batteries.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, the range of EVs has quadrupled over the past decade. This battery breakthrough by CATL could further accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and make electric vehicles more accessible to the masses.

In a noteworthy competition, Gotion High Tech, a Volkswagen-backed company based in China, has also announced plans to bring a 1,000-kilometer range battery, called 'Astroinno,' to the mass market by 2024. 

The race to develop high-performance batteries marks a significant stride towards achieving universal electrification in transportation, encompassing sea, land, and air travel.