Chinese power battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has reportedly initiated discussions with approximately twelve car manufacturers regarding technology licensing partnerships in a bid to reinforce its dominance in the global power battery market. These collaborations are intended to facilitate the proliferation of sodium battery technology, among other advancements, within the automotive industry.
According to a spokesperson from CATL, the company has engaged with original equipment manufacturers for a license royalty service model of cooperation. Under this framework, CATL offers technology licensing alongside plant construction and operation services, enabling global manufacturers to swiftly acquire battery production capabilities.
The spokesperson emphasized that CATL’s technology is also available for licensing even to its competitors, a move intended to contribute to global consumer welfare.
“CATL is committed to supporting the global transition to new energy sources with advanced technologies and products, and is actively exploring multiple collaboration models with global partners,” said the spokesperson.
As the world’s largest producer of power batteries, CATL boasts an installed battery volume of 259.7 GWh, capturing a significant market share of 36.8%, as reported by SNE Research. The company’s influence extends to key players in the electric vehicle industry, including Tesla and Nio. Notably, CATL aims to commence small-scale production of all-solid-state batteries by 2027, marking a significant milestone in battery tech advancement.
Sodium-ion battery
Outside of its endeavors in high-energy-density batteries, CATL emerged as a pioneer in sodium-ion battery technology in China. In July 2021, the company unveiled its first-generation sodium-ion batteries, boasting an energy density of 160 Wh/kg, a global record at the time.
These batteries showcased remarkable charging capabilities, achieving an 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes at room temperature, and maintaining a discharge retention rate of over 90 percent even at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The announcement came amidst a period of escalating raw material prices for lithium batteries. In November 2022, the price of lithium carbonate in China surged to approximately RMB 600,000 ($82,860) per ton, marking a fourteen-fold increase from June 2020 levels. However, the subsequent decline in lithium carbonate prices, stabilizing at around RMB 100,000 per ton by the end of 2022, prompted a reassessment of the cost dynamics within the industry.
The company is currently developing a second-generation of sodium batteries, poised to excel in various applications. CATL’s ongoing efforts include advancing the energy density of sodium-ion batteries to 200 Wh/kg in its second-generation iteration.
The battery maker also recently introduced the “AB battery pack solution,” integrating sodium-ion batteries with lithium-ion counterparts within the same pack. This fusion aims to mitigate the energy density limitations of sodium-ion batteries while harnessing their superior performance under high-power conditions and low temperatures.
Information for this briefing was found via cnevepost.com, Clean Technica, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
