CATL, Volkswagen step up cooperation in battery, auto parts R&D, new materials applications

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. ("CATL") announced on Feb. 21 that it has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Volkswagen Group China, in a bid to further deepen their collaboration in lithium battery R&D, new material applications, and component development for new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies aim to co-develop cutting-edge and cost-competitive battery technologies and products.

This agreement marks another key milestone in Volkswagen China's electrification strategy. Alfonso Sancha, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China responsible for Purchasing, emphasized that strengthening ties with CATL will enable the company to deliver high-performance, cost-effective battery solutions, enhance supply chain transparency and resilience, and better meet the evolving demands of the NEV market.

Looking ahead, the partnership will extend beyond power batteries to explore battery recycling, battery swapping, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications, carbon reduction, and raw material supply transparency. These efforts will help Volkswagen China seize market opportunities, offer Chinese consumers high-quality and safe NEV products, and accelerate the industry's shift toward electrification.

On June 1, 2024, the cell test lab of CATL was granted the lithium-ion battery cell testing qualification certificate by Volkswagen Group at CATL's headquarters in Ningde. It is the first test lab as cell manufacturer in the world to receive this certificate, showing that CATL's outstanding testing capability has been recognized by the global leading automotive manufacturer, and also strengthening the cooperation between CATL and Volkswagen Group Components.