BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese battery giant CATL on Thursday launched its first battery product focused on extended-range hybrids at a time when this category of electrified cars is seeing the fastest growth in sales among all segments.

The battery, known as Freevoy, is the world's first hybrid battery with a range of over 400 km (249 miles), according to CATL's Gao Huan, chief technology officer of its electric vehicle business in China.

Gao, speaking at a press conference in Beijing, also announced that Freevoy is being used by various Chinese EV brands, including Li Auto, and will be installed in models made by industry giants like Geely and Chery.