CATL

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited
Company type	Public
Industry	Battery production, technological innovation
Predecessor	Amperex Technology Limited (ATL)
Founded	2011; 15 years ago
Founder	Robin Zeng, Huang Shilin (vice-chairman)
Headquarters	Ningde, China
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Robin Zeng (CEO)
Products	Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, battery management systems (BMS)

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a Chinese enterprise specializing in battery production and technological innovation, established in 2011. The company focuses on manufacturing lithium-ion batteries designed for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, alongside developing battery management systems (BMS). As of 2023, CATL stands as the leading global producer of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, commanding approximately 37% and 40% of the worldwide market share, respectively. Its headquarters are located in Ningde, within China's Fujian province.

History

Founded in Ningde—a fact reflected in its Chinese name 宁德时代 (meaning 'Ningde era')—CATL originated as a spin-off from Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), which was created by Robin Zeng in 1999. Initially, ATL produced batteries for portable electronic devices based on licensed technologies. In 2005, Japan's TDK acquired ATL, with Zeng continuing to oversee operations as manager.

By 2009, when the Chinese government started offering subsidies for electric vehicles, ATL had already established a dedicated research and development unit focused on EV batteries. In 2011, a consortium of Chinese investors led by Zeng and vice-chairman Huang Shilin purchased an 85% stake in ATL’s EV battery division, spinning it off to form CATL; TDK retained the remaining 15% until selling it off in 2015. Management methods at CATL drew inspiration from both TDK and Huawei's operational models.

2011–2021

Benefiting from early investments in EV battery technology and strong governmental backing, CATL quickly rose to prominence as a key supplier amid the expanding electric vehicle market. In 2011, China imposed regulations requiring foreign automakers to transfer core technologies to local companies to qualify for EV subsidies. By 2012, CATL secured BMW Brilliance as its inaugural major client. China's control over critical battery supply chains, including rare-earth elements, enabled CATL to compete effectively against international firms such as Panasonic and LG Chem.

By 2016, CATL was ranked third worldwide among suppliers of batteries for EVs, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), trailing only Panasonic and BYD. The following year, CATL led global sales of power battery systems with shipments totaling 11.84 GWh.

In January 2017, CATL established a strategic alliance with Valmet Automotive by acquiring a 22% ownership stake to collaborate on project management, engineering services, and supplying battery packs.

CATL made its public debut on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in June 2018. That same year, BMW committed to purchasing €4 billion worth of batteries from CATL for its electric Mini and iNext vehicle lines. Additionally, CATL announced intentions to construct a battery manufacturing facility in Arnstadt, Germany, aimed at supplying BMW and Volkswagen.

In June 2020, CEO Robin Zeng revealed that CATL had developed an electric vehicle battery capable of lasting one million miles (approximately 1.6 million kilometers). The following year saw the introduction of a sodium-ion battery tailored for automotive applications alongside plans for a $5 billion recycling plant intended to reclaim valuable materials. Furthermore, CATL continued investing in cobalt-based technologies by acquiring nearly a quarter stake in the Kisanfu cobalt mine located in the Democratic Republic of Congo—one of the largest cobalt reserves globally.

Since 2022

During the first half of 2022, CATL commanded a leading position globally with a 34% market share according to SNE research data. The company announced plans to develop a €7.4 billion battery production facility in Debrecen, Hungary, targeting supply contracts with European automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Its Yibin factory achieved recognition as the world’s first zero-carbon emission battery manufacturing plant.

In July 2022, Ford began sourcing batteries from CATL for its Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models—a move that drew scrutiny from the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition. Later that October, CATL expanded its collaboration with VinFast by providing skateboard chassis components and enhancing its international footprint.

On August 12, 2022, CATL confirmed construction plans for its second European battery factory situated in Hungary. In 2023, it received state subsidies totaling around US$790 million. That year also marked the launch of the M3P battery technology which improved energy density by 15% up to 210 Wh/kg by substituting iron within lithium iron phosphate cells with magnesium, zinc, and aluminum elements.

Later in 2023, CATL introduced the Shenxing LFP battery featuring nano-crystallized cathodes combined with advanced rapid-charging capabilities—enabling charging from zero to eighty percent within ten minutes at ambient temperature while maintaining effective performance under cold conditions. Meanwhile, Ford announced intentions to build a battery plant employing CATL’s technology in Marshall, Michigan with an anticipated workforce of 2,500; however, this project was paused amid investigations into tax subsidy eligibility.

In November 2023, discussions commenced between CATL and Stellantis regarding forming a joint venture focused on EV battery production within Europe. On December 7th of the same year, CATL signed a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to create a research center backed by an investment exceeding HKD 1.2 billion.

The World Intellectual Property Organization ranked CATL eighth worldwide for patent filings published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system during 2023 with a total of 1,799 applications.

In April 2024, CATL unveiled 'Tener', a large-scale stationary energy storage solution offering comprehensive safety features alongside zero capacity degradation over five years and delivering a capacity of 6.25 MWh per unit via biomimetic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and self-assembled electrolyte innovations.

By August 2024, U.S. lawmakers Marco Rubio and John Moolenaar called upon the Defense Secretary to prohibit CATL from participating in military contracts. As reported in September 2024, CATL remained the foremost recipient of corporate subsidies within China.

In December 2024, CATL extended financial assistance to suppliers aiming to accelerate advancements in battery materials and production equipment innovation. On December 12th, reports surfaced indicating that CATL and Stellantis planned a €4.1 billion joint venture to establish a lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing plant in Zaragoza with an expected annual capacity of 50 GWh by 2026.

On January 7th, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense included CATL on its list of Chinese firms allegedly supporting Beijing's military initiatives.

Subsequently on February 11th, 2025, CATL submitted an application for secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange intending to raise over $5 billion to finance global expansion projects including new facilities planned for Hungary, Spain, and Indonesia. Key cornerstone investors comprised Sinopec, Kuwait Investment Authority, Hillhouse Investment Management, Oaktree Capital Management, along with an investment fund affiliated with the Agnelli family.

Corporate affairs

Significant financial indicators for CATL (fiscal years ending 31 December) demonstrate swift expansion in revenue, EBITA, and total assets:

	Revenue (USD billion)	EBITA (USD billion)	Total Assets (USD billion)
2017	3.01	0.57	7.63
2018	4.39	0.64	10.74
2019	6.60	0.87	14.51
2020	7.40	1.12	24.05
2021	20.24	3.26	48.28
2022	48.08	5.65	87.13
2023	56.52	8.09	101.45
2024	50.29	9.31	107.78

Facilities

CATL maintains thirteen battery production facilities worldwide, with major sites located in China—including Guiyang, Jining, Liyang, Luoyang, Ningde, Nanhui New City, Xiamen, Xining, Yibin, Yichun, and Zhaoqing—and in Europe at Erfurt, Germany and Debrecen, Hungary.

Partnerships

By capitalizing on competitors’ strategic priorities, CATL has established collaborations with leading global automakers, delivering battery technologies to prominent brands such as BMW, Daimler AG, Hyundai, Honda, Li Auto, NIO, PSA, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and XPeng.

Within China, CATL’s clientele comprises top manufacturers like BAIC Motor, Geely, GAC Group, Yutong Bus, Zhongtong Bus, Xiamen King Long, SAIC Motor, and Foton Motor. The company also partners with automotive suppliers and producers including Valmet Automotive, Ford, VinFast, and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

In August 2022, CATL entered into a joint venture with FAW Jiefang to advance battery technology aimed at establishing urban battery swap station networks.

Assessment

In 2019, former Tesla battery supply chain expert Vivas Kumar recognized CATL as frontrunners in lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP battery) innovation. Employing the cell-to-pack approach enables the company to minimize inactive battery mass, enhance volume utilization rate by 15–20%, double production efficiency, reduce battery pack components by 40%, and increase pack energy density from 140–150 Wh/kg to 200 Wh/kg.

Kumar also highlighted CATL’s comparatively higher openness to incorporate external technologies than rivals such as LG Energy Solution or SK Innovation.

According to Tu Le of Sino Auto Insights in 2024, the United States trails "years behind" China regarding battery advancements and will need to depend on Chinese batteries to remain competitive in the global electric vehicle market through 2030.

Security concerns

In December 2023, Duke Energy disconnected CATL batteries from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune citing security risks. CATL refuted espionage allegations as "false and misleading." The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 prohibited US defense funding for products from CATL. By January 2024, the Pentagon announced a ban on procuring batteries from both CATL and BYD.

In June 2024, US legislators called on the United States Department of Homeland Security to include CATL in an import prohibition under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. CATL dismissed these claims as "groundless and completely false," affirming adherence to all applicable regulations.

In April 2025, the US House Select Committee on Strategic Competition urged JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America to withdraw from CATL’s Hong Kong IPO; subpoenas were subsequently issued to these financial institutions in July 2025.

External links