CATL-Vinfast collaboration could imply extra EVs for rising markets

Vinfast on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with CATL laying the muse to be used of the latter’s cell-to-pack battery tech and skateboard chassis designs in future automobiles.

“By leveraging CATL’s cutting-edge batteries, Vinfast’s modern EVs will attain new heights by way of vary, security, and clever driving,” CATL stated in a press launch. “The cooperation may even allow CATL to reinforce its international footprint, particularly in rising markets, and promote the appliance of latest EV applied sciences. “

The elements at the moment being mentioned embody the CATL Built-in Clever Chassis (CIIC) skateboard which, like related designs from different corporations, incorporates the battery pack, motors, and all mechanical elements into the chassis, permitting a number of physique kinds to be simply engineered for a similar part set.

Vinfast might additionally make potential use of CATL’s cell-to-pack tech, which builds a battery pack out of particular person cells with out the modules utilized in standard pack designs.

CATL simply revealed the new-generation model of its cell-to-pack tech final April, claiming a bonus over Tesla battery tech in energy density. It additionally pointed to a “disruptive” water-cooling design for the pack—with an power density of 255 Wh/kg with current-tech lithium-ion cells and 160 Wh/kg for LFP cells—delivering greater than a 1,000-km vary (621 miles).

Vinfast Retailer

Whereas not talked about within the launch, CATL has additionally mentioned different attention-grabbing tech lately.

CATL has been one of many innovators pushing sodium-ion cells towards manufacturing—doubtlessly permitting an 80% cost in quarter-hour. And it is rolled out a battery-swapping resolution for China, geared toward these with out house charging, which could prolong properly for rising markets.

Vinfast has deliberate its EVs round necessary battery leasing—though it is at the moment providing them within the U.S. with out that association. The corporate plans to start U.S. deliveries of its VF 8 and VF 9 earlier than the tip of the 12 months. Vehicles will initially be sourced from Vinfast’s house nation of Vietnam, however the firm plans to begin constructing U.S.-market automobiles at a North Carolina manufacturing unit in 2024.