Lotus unveils $2M electric hypercar Evija (Type 130); 2,000 PS, 1,700 Nm
Groupe Renault and JMCG officially establish their JV for electric vehicles in China

CATL and Toyota form comprehensive partnership for new energy vehicle batteries

China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and Toyota Motor Corporation have entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement for the stable supply and further development of New Energy Vehicle (NEV) batteries.

The two companies have also commenced discussions that cover a wide range of fields, including: supply of batteries, new technology development, product quality improvements, and the reuse and recycling of batteries.

CATL is the world’s leading supplier of drive battery systems for vehicles with competitive advantages across the globe. In recent years, as vehicle electrification has accelerated worldwide, the company has won recognition from many automobile manufacturers both in China and overseas. Toyota was one of the first companies to promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles and boasts a rich array of technologies and experience in the development, production, and sales of electrified vehicles.

To further promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles, CATL and Toyota agree that a stable supply of batteries is critical and that battery technology must be further developed and advanced. To this end, the two companies intend to establish joint systems and engage in specific initiatives together.

Through this broad-ranging collaboration, CATL will combine its battery development and supply capabilities with Toyota’s electrified vehicle and battery development technologies.

Comments

HarveyD

This is one of the most interesting complementary JV between the major vehicle manufacturer and one of the major EV battery maker.

This JV could allow Toyota to catch up with high quality EVs within 3 years or so.

Account Deleted

This is an important announcement. The current Toyota Prius Prime PHEV uses Sanyo 25Ah PHEV2 prismatic battery cells. The same size 2017 CATL PHEV2 prismatic battery cells have 50 Ah - these will expand to 75 Ah by 2020.
Even using the 50 Ah battery cells, the 8.8 kWh Prius Prime PHEV would have a 17.6 kWh battery - roughly the size of the Honda Clarity battery at a significant reduction in battery weight.

Juan Carlos Zuleta

This is most interesting because it shows a different Toyota, one which seems to begin to worry about the state and direction of the automotive market. After years and years of neglect of the BEV market, Toyota may have finally realized that this is the way to move forward. Never mind if some other commentators still think that Toyota should take business as usual while continue focusing on PHEVs. Just note that if Toyota decided to engage in a partnership with CATL it was because it plans to enter the largest BEV market in the world, China. But in this market there's no longer any space for PHEVs; BEVs accounted for over 94% of all EVs during the period comprised by January and May this year.

Account Deleted

Good points Juan Carlos Zuleta,
Toyota Marketing along with GM and Ford have given up on PHEV at least for sedans and small SUV/Crossovers. Maybe the truck or large SUV market might interest them (at least FCA, BMW, and Land Rover think so).
Automotive marketers have determined that consumers have either accepted BEV or only want ICE, they do not want to plug-in. So all auto companies will concentrate on BEV and Hybrids (particularly mild hybrids).

HarveyD

HEVs, MHEVs and PHEVs are interim solutions leading to extended range BEVs/FCEVs and will be phased out by 2030 or so.

Improved lower cost batteries and FCs will replace most ICEVs and interim solutions by 2040/2050.

yoatmon

Harvey, you’re projecting an almost pessimistic POV. I'm convinced that by 2025 your forecasted achievements will have been reached.

HarveyD

Unfortunately, new and current 2B used ICEVs will be around for many years after 2025. It would take major policy changes to phase them out by 2040/2045.

yoatmon

Well, Trump won't be in office forever; at the most another 4 yr. term and that is almost too much for that FBI.

HarveyD

With or without DT, the world needs improved (500+ Wh/K) batteries at a much lower cost (below $100/kWh) and lighter weight e-vehicles to match and/or exceed the performance of ICEVs in performance at lower or equivalent price.

At the current development rate, that may not happen before 2030/2040. Replacing most of the 2+B ICEVs may take another 15 to 25 years.

yoatmon

EMBATT is aiming for mass production next year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_glx79wJyE

The comments to this entry are closed.