CATL Unveils 'Bedrock' Skateboard Chassis to Expand EV Business
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has introduced a new skateboard chassis for electric vehicles, named Bedrock or Panshi, aiming to expand its battery-related business and capitalize on the future of autonomous mobility. The chassis integrates batteries directly into the vehicle frame, a Cell-to-Chassis approach that reduces structural parts, increases interior space, and lowers costs. During a demonstration in Shanghai, CATL showcased the chassis's safety by subjecting a prototype to a 120 km/h frontal impact, resulting in no battery fire or damage after 12 hours. The company claims this architecture can reduce EV development cycles from 36 months to 12-18 months, significantly cutting costs. Avatr, a premium EV brand co-founded by CATL, Changan Automobile, and Huawei, will be the first automaker to adopt this technology. Other partners include Vinfast, BAIC, and Neta. Analysts note that CATL holds natural advantages in this segment due to its expertise in battery energy density. This move marks a strategic shift for the world’s largest battery maker, extending its influence from component manufacturing to broader powertrain and chassis solutions, potentially capturing over 50% of the market soon.
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CATL Unveils 'Bedrock' Skateboard Chassis to Expand EV Business
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has introduced a new skateboard chassis for electric vehicles, named Bedrock or Panshi, aiming to expand its battery-related business and capitalize on the future of autonomous mobility. The chassis integrates batteries directly into the vehicle frame, a Cell-to-Chassis approach that reduces structural parts, increases interior space, and lowers costs. During a demonstration in Shanghai, CATL showcased the chassis's safety by subjecting a prototype to a 120 km/h frontal impact, resulting in no battery fire or damage after 12 hours. The company claims this architecture can reduce EV development cycles from 36 months to 12-18 months, significantly cutting costs. Avatr, a premium EV brand co-founded by CATL, Changan Automobile, and Huawei, will be the first automaker to adopt this technology. Other partners include Vinfast, BAIC, and Neta. Analysts note that CATL holds natural advantages in this segment due to its expertise in battery energy density. This move marks a strategic shift for the world’s largest battery maker, extending its influence from component manufacturing to broader powertrain and chassis solutions, potentially capturing over 50% of the market soon.
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