In the relentless pursuit of solidifying its position as the "undisputed leader" in the electric vehicle battery domain, CATL spared no effort in 2023, continually introducing new products that underscore the company's pioneering role and forward-thinking strategy.

From the volume production and installation of the Qilin batteries to the successful application of sodium-ion batteries in Chery models, and the subsequent unveiling of condensed-state batteries and Shenxing batteries, each step taken by CATL serves as a testament to its leading position and visionary approach in the realm of power batteries.

Photo credit: CATL

As we reflect on the year-end review, focusing on key automotive enterprises, this piece invites you to revisit the significant milestones that unfolded for CATL in 2023.

CATL, SERES Group step up cooperation in super-fast charging tech, battery safety, big data

On December 20, Chinese automaker SERES Group and power battery titan CATL officially sealed an agreement to comprehensively deepen their strategic cooperation, according to a post on SERES Group's WeChat account.

CATL, Datong city team up on green manufacturing, renewable energy investment, transportation electrification

In a pivotal move towards advancing the "dual-carbon" goals, Chinese power battery giant CATL signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the municipal government of Datong city, Shanxi province on December 20, according to a post on the WeChat account "Datong Daily".

According to the agreement, both parties will collaborate on green manufacturing of new energy products, investment in renewable energy development, electrification of transportation, and infrastructure construction. The aim is to position Datong as the country's first model city for electric heavy-duty trucks with a complete industrial ecosystem and a national demonstration city for achieving carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality.

CATL to set up international headquarters in Hong Kong, China

On December 7, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (“HKSTP”) and CATL inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU). CATL announced its plans to establish an international R&D center at the HKSTP, with a total investment exceeding HKD 1.2 billion, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account. This initiative aims to help foster technological innovation in new energy and propel sustainable development in Hong Kong, China.

As part of this collaboration, CATL not only positions its R&D center in Hong Kong but also establishes an international headquarters and an international investment center in the region.

CATL, China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology to build joint lab for lithium battery safety

According to an announcement issued on Nov. 20, CATL and China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology had held a signing ceremony in Ningde city, Fujian province for a framework agreement on establishing a joint laboratory focused on lithium battery safety.

CATL to supply Stellantis with battery cells, modules for EV production in Europe

Stellantis N.V. and CATL announced on November 21 the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines CATL's commitment to supplying Stellantis with LFP battery cells and modules for the latter's electric vehicle (EV) production in Europe.

The collaboration aims to fortify Stellantis' electric mobility endeavors in Europe, with discussions underway about the potential establishment of a joint venture with equivalent contributions.

VOYAH, CATL form cooperation in superfast charging battery, battery safety, big data areas

On November 2, VOYAH, a high-end smart new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under Dongfeng Motor Group, and CATL, inked a significant strategic cooperation agreement.

According to the agreement, the two entities are set to embark on an extensive collaboration in areas encompassing fast-charging technology, battery safety, and big data. Simultaneously, they will expand their operations abroad, aiming to capitalize on resource-sharing, complementing strengths, and jointly pioneering high-quality new energy vehicles. This strategic alliance will serve as a catalyst for battery technology innovation and global expansion.

CATL puts first phase of Guizhou power, energy storage battery base into operation

On October 27, CATL held a ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of its power and energy storage battery manufacturing base in Guian New Area, Guizhou province, according to the battery maker's press release.

Spanning a total land area of approximately 1,435 mu (956,700 square meters), CATL's Guizhou base will focus on producing power and energy storage batteries with an annual production capacity of 60GWh. This project is divided into two phases, with the first phase occupying around 885 mu (590,000 square meters) and involving a total investment of roughly 7 billion yuan. The first phase is designed to build the production lines capable of manufacturing 30GWh batteries per year and relevant supporting infrastructures.  

CATL, Zhongcheng Dayou forge partnership on energy storage project

CATL recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongcheng Dayou to co-work on an energy storage project, according to a press release the power battery giant issued on October 25.  

CATL, Ji Yue join hands to promote R&D, volume production of Robocar tech, products

On October 21, Chinese power battery giant CATL and automotive robot (Robocar) brand Ji Yue signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly advance the R&D and mass production application of Robocar and new energy vehicle (NEV)-related technologies and products, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

CATL said has already provided high-performance power battery products and service support for the Robocar "Ji Yue 01," a smart vehicle equipped with advanced robotics capabilities.

CATL, Zhaoqing city forge partnership in new energy applications, green power development fields

The municipal government of Zhaoqing city, Guangdong province recently entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the Chinese power battery giant CATL, according to the latter's press release it posted via its WeChat account in early Oct.

According to this newly signed agreement, Zhaoqing city and CATL will engage in extensive collaboration across various fronts, including new energy applications, green energy development, and manufacturing. This collaboration aims to boost the transformation and upgrading of Zhaoqing's manufacturing industry, promote regional coordinated development, and contribute to the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Zhaoqing) Green Energy Production Base. This effort will play a significant role in fostering an innovative high ground for the global competitive new energy storage industry.

CATL, NETA Auto cement strategic cooperation

On October 7, Chinese power battery giant CATL and new energy vehicle maker NETA Auto signed a strategic cooperation agreement to further strengthen their collaboration in the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, according to press release from both parties.

According to the agreement, CATL will continue to provide support for NETA Auto's market activities in various aspects, including new projects, new technology cooperation, supply of the Shenxing Batteries, and the expansion of overseas operations.

CATL, CHINT to cooperate in energy, smart manufacturing fields

On September 26, Chinese power battery giant CATL and the smart energy solutions provider CHINT Group Co., Ltd. ("CHINT") signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, marking a significant collaboration in the energy sector.

Under this agreement, both parties will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as energy storage, while also expanding their collaboration into fields like integrated energy systems, smart and low-carbon solutions, and intelligent manufacturing. This comprehensive partnership aims to encompass various aspects, including project investment and development, market expansion, and joint R&D efforts. Their collective goal is to foster industrial synergy across multiple sectors, promoting the sound and sustainable development of the integrated energy market, and providing global clients with high-quality new energy solutions and energy storage system services throughout the entire product lifecycle.

CATL announces European launch of Shenxing supercharging battery at IAA MOBILITY 2023

On September 4, 2023, the IAA MOBILITY 2023 in Munich, Germany kicked off with a spectacular display of cutting-edge automotive and smart mobility solutions. Among the exhibitors, CATL, the power battery giant coming from China, made a significant impact by unveiling the Shenxing, which the company claimed as the world's first 4C superfast charging LFP battery available for mass production.

CATL forms ten-year strategic cooperation with Shaanxi Automobile

CATL and Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group Co., Ltd. ("Shaanxi Automobile") joined forces on August 17 as they inked a ten-year strategic cooperation agreement in Ningde city, Fujian province, marking a significant move towards driving innovation in the electric commercial vehicle sector.

CATL launches 4C superfast charging LFP battery 'Shenxing'

On August 16, Chinese power battery CATL unveiled the world's first mass-producible 4C fast-charging battery that adopts lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials– the "Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery" (called "Shenxing Battery" for short). This breakthrough innovation achieves an astonishing "10-minute charge for 400 kilometers of range," and boasts an extended range of over 700 kilometers, according to the company's introduction.

CATL, POWERCHINA form strategic partnership to drive energy storage, smart energy development

On August 11, CATL and POWERCHINA (Power Construction Corporation of China), a state-owned infrastructure construction company, inked a framework agreement to carry out strategic cooperation in multiple areas including energy storage and global business expansion, according to CATL’s WeChat account.

CATL partners with POWERCHINA

On August 11, CATL entered into a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA). As per the agreement, both parties will cooperate on the research on new energy storage applications, energy storage product development and industry cooperation, domestic and international expansion in the energy storage and integrated smart energy markets, smart energy and smart city demonstration projects, comprehensive energy bases utilizing wind, solar, hydro, and energy storage, as well as the establishment of energy storage equipment manufacturing bases and the exploration of international business opportunities.

CATL, Ordos Municipality join forces for green technology transformation

On August 5,CATL and the Ordos municipal government inked a strategic cooperation framework agreement, under which both parties will leverage their respective strengths and focus on new-type power system construction, industrial layout, financial services, talent pool development, and more, aiming to establish a multi-layered, all-encompassing strategic cooperative relationship.

CATL to procure battery-grade lithium hydroxide products from Yahua Group

Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co., Ltd. ("Yahua Group"), a Chinese company principally engaged in the manufacture and sales of civil explosives, announced on Aug. 3 that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Yahua Lithium Industry (Ya'an) Co., Ltd. ("Ya'an Lithium"), has signed an agreement CATL as the latter plans to for purchase from it battery-grade lithium hydroxide products.

CATL, Changan Auto's joint venture established for battery production, sales

According to Qichacha, a Chinese corporate database, CATL Changan Power Battery Co., Ltd. (referred to as “CATL Changan”) was incorporated on Jun. 28 with a registered capital of 1.5 billion yuan.

Qichacha's information shows that CATL Changan's business scope includes battery manufacturing, battery sales, R&D of emerging energy technologies and new materials, etc. The company is jointly owned by CATL, Shenlan Technology Co., Ltd. (the entity behind the Deepal brand), and Changan Automobile.

CATL launches heavy-duty truck battery swap solution QIJI Energy

On June 12, CATL's self-developed one-stop heavy-duty truck battery swap solution, QIJI Energy, was officially released, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

The introduction of QIJI Energy is set to provide a high-tech, standardized, and cost-effective technological blueprint for building a nationwide network of heavy-duty truck battery swapping, said the company.

CATL partners with Thailand’s Arun Plus for CTP battery production

In early June, CATL entered into a partnership agreement with Thailand's Arun Plus Co., Ltd. (Arun Plus) for the cooperation on Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology, the battery giant announced on June 8 via its WeChat account.

CATL introduces Condensed Battery with up to 500 Wh/kg energy density

CATL announced a cutting-edge battery technology, called the Condensed Battery, at the Auto Shanghai 2023, which boasts a single-cell energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg.

CATL's sodium-ion batteries to be installed onto Chery’s vehicle model first

CATL announced on Apr. 16 its sodium-ion batteries will be installed onto a vehicle model of Chery Auto first.

The battery giant didn’t disclose whether the first- or second-generation sodium-ion battery is involved in the cooperation with Chery.

CATL, HGP team up on battery energy storage project

In late March, CATL signed an agreement with HGP, a USA-based battery energy storage project development company, for a 450MWh battery energy storage supply project, according to a post on CATL’s WeChat account.

CATL's subsidiary, Maritime Silk Road Highway ally on battery swap project

CATL GLP Digital Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. on Mar. 16 signed an agreement with Fujian Maritime Silk Road Highway New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. for the cooperation on a battery swapping project for heavy-duty trucks, according to a post on CATL’s WeChat account.

Per the agreement, both parties will fully leverage the integration advantages of "high-speed + new energy" resources to invest in the construction and operation management of battery swapping stations dedicated to electric heavy-duty trucks.

BAIC Group, CATL sign MoU to co-develop power batteries

On March 13, BAIC Group and CATL inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the strategic cooperation on developing power batteries, according to a post on BAIC Group’s WeChat account.

The latest move indicates the collaboration between the two parties has been further cemented to provide broader space and greater impetus for their strategic business expansion, said BAIC Group.

Changan Automobile plans to build battery joint venture with CATL, Changan New Energy

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (“Changan Automobile”) announced on Feb. 17 it intends to build a battery joint venture with Chongqing Changan New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. (“Changan New Energy”) and CATL.

The new joint venture will involve a registered capital of 1.5 billion yuan ($218.376 million), which will be 19%, 30%, and 51% contributed by Changan Automobile, Changan New Energy, and CATL, respectively.

CATL to build integrated intelligent chassis production base in China’s Yichun city

CATL (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. ("CATL Intelligent Tech"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL, on Jan. 18 signed an agreement with the Management Committee of Yichun Economic & Technological Development Zone for a CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis) manufacturing project, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

CATL teams up with UL Solutions for applications of energy storage systems, power batteries

CATL announced via its WeChat account it signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) on Jan. 17 with UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, for the strategic cooperation on promoting safer and more reliable applications of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

CATL, NIO step up strategic cooperation with 5-year agreement

On Jan. 17, CATL and the electric vehicle startup NIO signed a five-year agreement for an all-around strategic cooperation, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account.

The batteries on NIO's existing vehicles are almost entirely supplied by CATL. The latest move indicates that the strategic partnership between the two companies has been further cemented and upgraded. Under the new agreement, both parties will conduct technical cooperation on new brands, new projects, and new markets, form linkage between supply and demand ends, and jointly boost overseas businesses.

HOZON Auto, CATL team up on CIIC skateboard chassis project

HOZON Auto, the Chinese startup owning the new energy vehicle (NEV) brand NETA, on Jan. 10 inked an agreement with CATL (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. ("CATL Intelligent Tech"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL, for the CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis) project, according to a post on NETA's WeChat account.

The cooperation makes NETA the first Chinese startup-owned auto brand to research the CIIC technology.