According to Chinese media, CATL could significantly reduce battery prices for select automakers. But only under certain conditions. The manufacturer could therefore offer lower prices to some customers in the third quarter of 2023 if they agree to purchase at least 80 per cent of their batteries from CATL in exchange.
Aito, a subsidiary of Huawei and Seres, is launching its first all-electric model in China. Called the Aito M5 EV, the electric SUV is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive at prices starting at 288,600 and 319,800 yuan (approximately 41,765 euros and 46,280 euros, respectively).
The Chinese electric car subsidiary Avatr under Changan, Huawei and CATL has launched its first model on the Chinese market. The coupé-like electric SUV Avatr 11 is based on a 750-volt platform and is available in three regular versions with prices starting at 349,900 yuan.
Avatr, the Chinese EV maker backed by Changan, CATL and Huawei, has announced a new partnership with British Petroleum (BP). They want to build out ultra-rapid charging infrastructure in China and aim for 240 kW of power delivered per plug.
Changan, Nio and CATL’s Chinese electric car brand Avatr – previously known as Changan NIO – is working with Huawei to develop four new models by 2025 based on a new platform called CHN. This will include CATL’s cell-to-pack battery.
The first electrified model with Huawei technology is now on sale in China. The Seres SF5 is not entirely new, but the drive technology, the name and the sales model are newly developed.
The rumour that Huawei is moving into the business of electric mobility has now been officially confirmed. As Huawei CEO Eric Xu told analysts, Huawei wants to invest one billion US dollars in researching technologies for automated electric cars.
The Chinese tech company Xiaomi has denied media reports that it is planning its own electric car. Instead, there are now rumours about corresponding plans by Huawei.
High-energy storage cells: ZSW is developing novel coating technologies for nickel-based electrodes to be used in super caps. A first demonstration cell is ready, which enables charging and discharging times of less than three seconds, that is a c-rate of 1,200. The research is part of the ‘Fast Storage BWII’ project, that is funded by Baden-Wuerttemberg with 3m euros. The technology may be utilised in hybrid vehicles and electric fork lifts at a later stage. zsw-bw.de (in German), zsw-bw.de (project)
Battery meets super cap: To combine the high-energy density of batteries with the high-power output of super capacitors in a single system, researchers at TU Graz experiment with a novel redox active ionic liquid that consists of an organic salt. The study is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). tugraz.at, nature.com (paid content)
High temperature battery: Huawei presents a graphene-based Li-ion battery, said to withstand heat of up to 60 degree C and to last twice as long. Apart from graphene, the therrmal advance is aided by an additive in the electrolytes and a modified large-crystal NMC material used for the cathode. huawei.com, youtube.com
Autonomous car testing in Europe: Ford is to start testing autonomous cars on European roads after having established its self-driving car projects in the USA. There, it will triple its fleet of self-driving Fusion Hybrids by next year. autocar.co.uk