CATL CEO Robin Zeng on Battery Technologies, Tesla Partnership, and Future Plans - A Summary

CATL CEO Robin Zeng recently spoke to Bloomberg about the company's collaboration with Tesla on battery technologies for faster charging. While he did not go into specific details, Zeng mentioned that they were focusing on researching new electrochemical structures, particularly in cell chemistry. 
 
With Tesla planning a compact model priced at $25,000, Zeng noted that there is always room for cost reductions. He also confirmed that CATL is supplying machines to Tesla's factory in Nevada. However, he did not confirm reports suggesting that Tesla may be considering using CATL's LMFP cells. These cells are LFP cells with added manganese in the cathode along with lithium and iron phosphate, offering higher energy density than pure LFP cells but lower than NMC/NCA cell chemistries while being more cost-effective. 
 
During the interview conducted in Hong Kong, Zeng briefly discussed robotaxis and highlighted how their batteries' longer life cycle could result in lower average costs for such applications. This positions CATL well in terms of battery service life compared to other competitors. 
 
Despite being one of China's leading battery manufacturers globally, CATL faces challenges entering the US market due to strict subsidization policies. As a workaround strategy, the company focuses on licensing its technology and providing production expertise to partners like Tesla and Ford through machine supplies. 
 
Ford plans to build a battery factory through a license deal with CATL, where they will train engineers at various locations, including Ningde headquarters or German facilities at Erfurter Kreuz. Initially announced as 35 GWh capacity by Ford last year, plans have been revised down to 20 GWh, now confirmed by Zeng, who expects production to commence by end-2026. 
 
Zeng revealed ongoing discussions with 10–20 car manufacturers from both the US and Europe regarding similar partnership agreements based on license models akin to what has been established with Ford. The potential collaborations indicate growing interest among automakers seeking access to advanced battery technologies developed by companies like CATL. 
 
In conclusion, CATL continues its efforts towards advancing battery technologies for electric vehicles while exploring strategic partnerships globally, despite facing market restrictions in certain regions like the USA due to policy constraints. The company’s focus remains on innovation and collaboration within the industry ecosystem, aiming towards sustainable growth and driving electrification across automotive markets worldwide.