Partnership targets battery and power management systems

The agreement builds on an existing customer project and marks an expansion of the companies’ strategic relationship in the e-mobility sector.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Schaeffler and CATL will work together on automotive Battery Management Systems (BMS) and integrated “X-in-1” Integrated PowerBox (IPB) solutions. The collaboration aims to combine the companies’ respective expertise to develop electrification technologies for the European automotive market and other regions.

The partnership focuses on two technology areas. The first is the joint development of BMS solutions designed to meet the requirements of European vehicle manufacturers. The second involves the development of “X-in-1” IPB systems, which integrate high-voltage electronics with electromechanical components.

According to the companies, the collaboration is intended to support the development of integrated electrification technologies while strengthening competitiveness in the growing electric vehicle sector.

Combining complementary expertise

Schaeffler brings experience across the BMS development process, including hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety, testing, validation and localised production in Europe.

CATL contributes expertise in cell production technology, battery system development and large-scale industrial manufacturing. The companies said these complementary capabilities provide a basis for long-term cooperation within Europe’s electrification market.

“Thanks to our established footprint in Europe, Schaeffler offers extensive expertise in local R&D, manufacturing, market entry and regulatory compliance, enabling us to deliver end-to-end support for project rollouts,” said Thomas Stierle, chief executive officer e-mobility at Schaeffler AG. “Through our partnership with CATL, we aim to build a competitive product portfolio for the European market and beyond, delivering long-term value to global OEMs and Chinese automakers expanding overseas.”

Focus on Europe’s changing automotive supply chain

The announcement comes as European automotive manufacturers continue to increase investment in vehicle electrification and regional supply chains evolve to support the transition.

The companies said demand is growing for integrated e-mobility technologies that combine performance, efficiency and safety. They added that closer collaboration across the industrial value chain can help bring new energy technologies into large-scale production more quickly.

Dr Bruce Li, executive president of quality systems at CATL, said: “We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Schaeffler. As a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer, CATL has long been committed to cell producing technology and has strong capabilities in product definition, battery system design and core battery algorithms. With a strong presence across Europe and extensive operational experience, we have gained deep insight into local customer needs and regional industry standards. This cooperation is based on our complementary strengths in battery management systems.

We share identical strategic directions and a common vision for industry development. Going forward, we will co-develop BMS and ‘X-in-1’ integrated PowerBox solutions designed for the European market and further explore applications of cutting-edge technologies including cloud computing and artificial intelligence in battery management scenarios. Together with Schaeffler, CATL will advance the high-quality development of Europe’s new-energy automobile industry and contribute to sustainable mobility worldwide.”