Yiwei, the electric vehicle (EV) unit of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), has recently entered into a new agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) to develop cutting-edge models based on CATL’s skateboard chassis technology. This partnership aims to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry by incorporating advanced technologies and intelligent chassis designs.
The agreement was officially signed on January 3 in Ningde, Fujian province, home to CATL’s headquarters. Xiang Xingchu, chairman and general manager of JAC, and Robin Zeng, chairman and CEO of CATL, were present at the signing ceremony, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.
Building upon a previous strategic cooperation agreement signed on January 6, 2024, the two companies are committed to leveraging CATL’s CIIC (CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis) skateboard chassis for the development of new models. Specifically, Yiwei will prioritize the adoption of CATL’s CIIC-S platform for its passenger car program, which includes battery swap-enabled models, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
In addition to vehicle development, JAC Yiwei and CATL will engage in joint research and development activities focused on advanced technologies for intelligent chassis systems. This collaboration will encompass areas such as thermal management, battery pack optimization, and electrical and electronic architectures.
One of the key advantages of CATL’s CIIC technology is its ability to facilitate the parallel development of upper and lower vehicle bodies, thereby streamlining the overall development cycle. This innovative approach to chassis design holds the potential to enhance performance, efficiency, and safety in future EV models.
Notably, Neta Auto had previously announced plans to utilize CATL’s CIIC skateboard chassis for its Neta S shooting brake model. However, the company is currently facing financial challenges, underscoring the importance of sustainable partnerships in the EV industry.
CATL recently unveiled the Bedrock Chassis, a flagship variant of the CIIC platform, with Avatr Technology being the first automaker to adopt this technology. The introduction of the Bedrock Chassis underscores CATL’s commitment to safety and innovation in electric vehicle design.
Overall, the collaboration between JAC Yiwei and CATL signifies a significant step forward in advancing the development of intelligent electric vehicles. By harnessing the latest technologies and expertise in chassis design, the two companies are poised to shape the future of sustainable transportation.
