CATL recently unveiled its latest innovation, the Bedrock skateboard chassis, at a press conference held on December 24. This new chassis is set to be featured in the upcoming model from the Avatr brand, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two companies.
The focus of the presentation was on the safety and performance aspects of the Bedrock chassis. CATL highlighted the impressive cruising range of over 1000 kilometers, positioning it as the CIIC ultra-high safe flagship edition. Emphasizing safety, CATL showcased a video demonstration of a frontal collision test at 120 km/h, surpassing the current C-NCAP standards of 56 km/h. The results showed minimal damage to the passenger compartment, with no incidents of fire or explosions.
To enhance safety measures, CATL has implemented a comprehensive approach to the chassis design, battery cells, and high-voltage system. The integration of the car body and battery, along with the use of high-strength materials like 2000Mpa hot-stamping steel and 600Mpa aluminum alloy, ensures optimal passive safety performance.
In the event of a collision, the battery cells are designed to absorb energy and prevent deformation, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Additionally, the high-voltage circuit is swiftly disconnected within 0.01 seconds, with residual energy discharged within 0.2 seconds, minimizing the potential for fires or explosions.
The Bedrock chassis features an integrated design that incorporates the core powertrain, brake-by-wire, steering, suspension, and three-electric module. This setup allows for fully redundant drive-by-wire systems and supports level 3 to level 4 driving assistance, all while delivering a range of over 1000 km.
With a skateboard chassis design, the development cycle for chassis components is streamlined, enabling faster production of new models within 12 to 18 months. The chassis boasts a “battery-centric design,” integrating seamlessly with CATL’s fourth-generation CTC battery technology to enhance structural rigidity and reduce weight and space requirements for battery packs.
The Avatr brand has been selected as the first to adopt the Bedrock skateboard chassis for its upcoming N plus model, set to debut in the latter half of 2025. This move signifies a deeper partnership between CATL and Avatr, with CATL holding a 14.1% stake in the brand. The collaboration hints at future endeavors and continued innovation in the electric vehicle sector.
In conclusion, CATL’s Bedrock skateboard chassis represents a significant advancement in safety and performance standards for electric vehicles. The partnership with Avatr underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation and sustainable mobility in the automotive industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking technology.
