CATL

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, generally known as CATL, is a Chinese battery technology and manufacturing company headquartered in Ningde, Fujian. Its principal businesses are lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, battery-management systems, stationary energy-storage systems and related technologies. The company serves vehicle manufacturers, commercial-vehicle producers, energy companies and other industrial customers in China and international markets. CATL developed from the electric-vehicle battery operations of Amperex Technology Limited, or ATL. ATL was established by Robin Zeng in 1999 to make batteries for portable electronics using licensed technology and was acquired by Japan’s TDK in 2005. As Chinese policy began supporting electric vehicles, ATL created an electric-vehicle battery research and development operation. In 2011, Zeng and other Chinese investors separated that activity from ATL and established CATL; TDK initially retained a minority interest before exiting in 2015. The company’s early automotive relationship with BMW Brilliance, established in 2012, helped CATL build experience as an automotive-grade supplier. It expanded during the rapid growth of China’s electric-vehicle industry and subsequently won supply relationships with international vehicle manufacturers including BMW, Daimler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo, as well as Chinese manufacturers such as Geely, GAC, Li Auto, NIO, SAIC and XPeng. CATL’s competitive position has been associated with large-scale manufacturing, extensive research activity, lithium iron phosphate expertise, cell-to-pack engineering and close integration with vehicle-platform development. CATL listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2018. It has since expanded its manufacturing and engineering footprint beyond China, including a plant in Arnstadt, Germany, projects in Hungary, Indonesia and Spain, and research and partnership activities in other regions. Its manufacturing network covers multiple Chinese locations as well as facilities in Germany, Hungary, Indonesia and Spain. The company has also invested in battery materials, recycling, international joint ventures and supply-chain capabilities. Its technology portfolio includes lithium iron phosphate and other lithium-ion chemistries, high-energy-density automotive cells, fast-charging products, battery packs, battery-management systems and stationary storage. CATL introduced a sodium-ion battery for automotive use in 2021 and later announced products such as M3P, Shenxing and Tener. The company has emphasized faster charging, improved safety, greater pack-level energy density, reduced inactive material and longer service life. CATL is one of the largest battery suppliers in the world. Its scale and importance have also made it the subject of geopolitical scrutiny. U.S. officials and lawmakers have raised concerns about supply-chain dependence, military links, data or espionage risks and alleged forced-labor exposure. CATL has rejected such allegations as false or groundless and stated that it complies with applicable laws. In 2024, a U.S. defense-spending law restricted certain defense funding involving the company, and in January 2025 the U.S. Department of Defense listed CATL as a Chinese military company. These controversies have affected discussion of CATL’s U.S. partnerships and international expansion, but the company remains active in global automotive and energy-storage markets.

CATL’s history is rooted in Amperex Technology Limited, a battery company founded by Robin Zeng in 1999 for portable-electronics applications. ATL used licensed technology and became part of Japan’s TDK group in 2005, while Zeng continued in management. When China began building an electric-vehicle industry through subsidies and industrial policy, ATL established an electric-vehicle battery research operation. In 2011, Zeng, vice-chairman Huang Shilin and Chinese investors separated the electric-vehicle battery business from ATL and created Contemporary Amperex Technology. The name refers to Ningde, the Fujian city where the company was founded and where its principal manufacturing base developed. TDK retained a minority stake until 2015. CATL’s early strategic choices combined Japanese manufacturing discipline with practices associated with large Chinese technology companies and emphasized battery research, production scale and relationships with vehicle makers. A cooperation with BMW Brilliance in 2012 gave CATL an important early automotive customer. During the following years, the rapid growth of China’s electric-vehicle market allowed the company to expand production and improve its position against Panasonic, BYD and Korean battery producers. By 2016 it was among the world’s largest suppliers of batteries for electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In 2017, its power-battery-system sales reached 11.84 GWh and it became the leading global supplier by that measure. CATL also began international partnerships, including a 2017 strategic relationship with Valmet Automotive and a minority investment in that company. CATL became a public company in Shenzhen in June 2018. That year BMW announced a multibillion-euro battery-supply agreement, and CATL announced its first European battery factory in Arnstadt, Thuringia. The company continued investing in cell-to-pack design, lithium iron phosphate chemistry and manufacturing automation. In 2020, its chairman publicized a battery designed for approximately one million miles of vehicle use. In 2021, CATL presented sodium-ion technology for automotive applications and invested in cobalt resources, including a stake in the Kisanfu mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The 2020s brought further internationalization and product diversification. CATL announced its Debrecen, Hungary, project in 2022 and described its Yibin plant as the world’s first zero-carbon battery factory. It expanded cooperation with Ford and VinFast, and in 2023 introduced M3P and Shenxing battery platforms. Shenxing focused on high-rate charging and cold-weather performance, while M3P sought greater energy density than conventional LFP at a potentially different material profile. CATL has also moved beyond vehicle batteries into large-scale stationary storage. In 2024 it announced Tener, a modular system designed around high capacity, safety engineering and reduced degradation. The company announced research cooperation with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and continued planning for facilities and joint ventures in Europe and Asia, including the proposed Stellantis partnership in Spain. CATL’s scale has brought both industrial influence and political controversy. Its batteries are used by numerous global automakers, but U.S. officials have questioned Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure, military procurement and battery supply chains. Security concerns led Duke Energy to disconnect CATL batteries at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 2023, while the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act restricted certain U.S. defense funding connected with CATL products. Lawmakers also raised allegations related to forced labor and import controls; CATL called these allegations false or groundless. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense placed CATL on its Chinese military-company list. Despite these disputes, CATL remains an active global supplier and continues to expand its battery, storage, research and international manufacturing businesses.

1. 2025Hong Kong listing application and U.S. designation

   CATL filed for a Hong Kong secondary listing, while the U.S. Department of Defense added it to a Chinese military-company list.

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2. 2024Tener stationary storage system announced

   CATL introduced a large-scale energy-storage system based on high capacity and degradation-control technologies.

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3. 2023M3P and Shenxing platforms introduced

   CATL expanded its automotive portfolio with new energy-density and fast-charging platforms.

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4. 2022Hungarian plant announced

   CATL announced a major European battery project in Debrecen.

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5. 2021Sodium-ion battery unveiled

   CATL presented sodium-ion technology for automotive use.

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6. 2018Shenzhen listing and German expansion

   CATL listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and announced a battery plant in Germany.

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7. 2017CATL becomes the leading battery supplier

   Power-battery-system sales reached 11.84 GWh, putting CATL first globally by that measure.

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8. 2012BMW Brilliance cooperation begins

   BMW Brilliance became CATL’s first major automotive customer.

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9. 2011CATL is established

   The electric-vehicle battery operation was separated from ATL and established as CATL in Ningde.

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10. 2005TDK acquires ATL

    Japan’s TDK acquired ATL while Zeng continued to manage the business.

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11. 1999Amperex Technology Limited is founded

    Robin Zeng founded ATL, the portable-electronics battery business from which CATL later developed.

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Global battery-technology and manufacturing leader focused on scale, safety, fast charging, energy density and integrated electrification solutions.

• Electric-vehicle battery systemsAutomotive batteries2011

  CATL supplies battery cells, modules and integrated packs for passenger cars, buses, trucks and other electric vehicles. Its portfolio includes lithium iron phosphate and other lithium-ion chemistries, with engineering focused on safety, cycle life, charging speed, pack integration and energy density. Customers include Chinese and international vehicle manufacturers.

• Qilin batteryAutomotive batteries

  Qilin is a high-integration battery-pack platform associated with CATL’s cell-to-pack approach. By reducing inactive components and improving use of pack volume, the design is intended to increase vehicle range and packaging efficiency while retaining automotive safety and thermal-management systems.

• ShenxingAutomotive batteries2023

  Shenxing is a lithium iron phosphate battery platform designed around rapid charging. CATL describes its electrode, electrolyte, separator and monitoring technologies as improving ion transport, charging response, low-temperature performance and safety. It is positioned for mass-market electric vehicles requiring shorter charging stops.

• M3P batteryAutomotive batteries2023

  M3P is a CATL battery chemistry positioned to provide higher energy density than conventional lithium iron phosphate while using a modified material composition. CATL reported an energy density of up to 210 Wh/kg for the product as described in 2023.

• Sodium-ion batteriesAutomotive batteries2021

  CATL’s sodium-ion program explores a battery chemistry that reduces dependence on some lithium-based materials. The company unveiled an automotive-oriented sodium-ion battery in 2021 and has presented it as a potential option for vehicles and applications where cost, supply resilience and low-temperature behavior are important.

• TenerStationary energy storage2024

  Tener is a large-scale stationary energy-storage system announced in 2024. CATL described each unit as having 6.25 MWh of capacity and highlighted safety engineering, biomimetic solid-electrolyte-interphase technology, self-assembled electrolyte technology and five-year zero-degradation claims.

• Battery-management systemsBattery electronics2011

  CATL develops battery-management systems that monitor cells and packs, control charging and discharging, support thermal management and provide fault detection. These systems are part of the company’s broader effort to integrate cells, electronics, software and vehicle or storage applications.

• 2025Pursue a Hong Kong secondary listingM&A

  CATL sought additional capital to support international projects and expansion.

  What changed. The company filed for a secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

  Aftermath. The filing was presented as a way to fund international growth, including projects in Hungary, Spain and Indonesia.

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• 2024Enter the next phase of stationary storageProduct launch

  Grid operators and renewable-energy developers require larger, safer and more predictable storage systems.

  What changed. CATL announced Tener, a 6.25 MWh-class stationary storage product with claimed five-year zero degradation and integrated safety technologies.

  Aftermath. The product strengthened CATL’s positioning beyond vehicle batteries and into utility-scale energy infrastructure.

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• 2023Launch the Shenxing fast-charging platformProduct launch

  Charging time is a major barrier to the wider adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in mass-market segments.

  What changed. CATL introduced Shenxing, an LFP platform using electrode, electrolyte, separator and monitoring improvements to support rapid charging and low-temperature operation.

  Aftermath. The platform reinforced CATL’s emphasis on affordable batteries with improved charging convenience and safety.

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• 2022Expand manufacturing in EuropeStrategy

  Automotive customers and European governments were seeking regional battery production.

  What changed. CATL announced a large battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary.

  Aftermath. The project strengthened CATL’s planned European manufacturing network alongside its German operations.

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• 2021Develop sodium-ion automotive batteriesProduct launch

  Battery makers were seeking alternative chemistries to manage material costs and supply-chain exposure.

  What changed. CATL unveiled an automotive sodium-ion battery and continued work on recycling and battery materials.

  Aftermath. The announcement broadened CATL’s chemistry portfolio beyond conventional lithium-ion products.

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• 2018Build a European manufacturing footprintStrategy

  European automakers were increasing their electric-vehicle programs and seeking localized battery supply.

  What changed. CATL announced a battery factory in Arnstadt, Germany, and expanded relationships with European vehicle manufacturers.

  Aftermath. The German project became the foundation of CATL’s European production presence.

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• 2011Separate the electric-vehicle battery business from ATLStrategy

  The growth of China’s electric-vehicle market and government support made automotive batteries strategically distinct from ATL’s portable-electronics business.

  What changed. Robin Zeng and Chinese investors established CATL as a separate company focused on electric-vehicle batteries.

  Aftermath. The separation created the corporate platform that later became one of the world’s largest EV-battery suppliers.

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• 2025U.S. Department of Defense designationControversy

  The U.S. Department of Defense added CATL to its list of Chinese military companies. The designation intensified political scrutiny of CATL’s access to U.S. government business and financial relationships.

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• 2024U.S. scrutiny over alleged forced-labor exposureControversy

  U.S. lawmakers asked the Department of Homeland Security to consider CATL in relation to import restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. CATL said the allegations were unfounded and that it complied with applicable laws.

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• 2023Security concerns over CATL batteries at a U.S. Marine baseControversy

  Duke Energy disconnected CATL batteries at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune after security concerns were raised. CATL rejected claims that its batteries posed espionage risks and called the allegations misleading.

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• 2025CATL files for a Hong Kong secondary listing

  CATL filed for a secondary listing in Hong Kong to support international expansion and projects in markets including Hungary, Spain and Indonesia.

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• 2025CATL completes Hong Kong listing and becomes an A+H company

  CATL listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, adding H shares to its existing Shenzhen listing and directing the offering toward overseas capacity and international operations.

  M&AOther
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• 2025CATL completed Hong Kong listing

  The company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under code 3750. The offering raised approximately HK$35.7 billion before the over-allotment option and about HK$41 billion after it was exercised.

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• 2024CATL announces Tener energy-storage system

  CATL announced Tener, a large-scale stationary storage system that it described as offering high capacity, safety features and five-year zero degradation.

  Product launch
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• 2024CATL increases direct-to-consumer brand communication

  The company expanded social-media publishing, outdoor advertising, product events, and consumer education under a more visible business-to-consumer communications strategy.

  Campaign
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• 2024CATL promotes CATL Inside branding

  CATL began promoting a visible supplier-branding model on electric vehicles, analogous to component-brand endorsement programs, to influence consumer awareness and vehicle choice.

  Campaign
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• 2023CATL launches M3P battery

  CATL introduced an M3P chemistry positioned between conventional lithium iron phosphate and higher-energy chemistries, with reported energy-density improvements.

  Product launch
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• 2023CATL launches Shenxing fast-charging battery

  The Shenxing lithium iron phosphate platform was presented as a fast-charging product with improved ion transport, thermal performance and safety controls.

  Product launch
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• 2023CATL and Stellantis consider European battery cooperation

  The companies announced that they were considering a jointly funded venture, later associated with a planned large-scale LFP plant in Zaragoza, Spain.

  M&A
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• 2022CATL announces European expansion in Hungary

  The company announced plans for a major battery facility in Debrecen, Hungary, its second European manufacturing project.

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• 2022CATL and Ford announce battery-technology cooperation

  Ford announced plans to source CATL batteries for the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning and later proposed a Michigan plant using CATL technology.

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• 2022CATL expands cooperation with VinFast

  CATL and VinFast expanded their relationship to include battery supply and possible use of a skateboard vehicle chassis.

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• 2022CATL launches EVOGO battery-swapping brand and modular swapping solution

  CATL introduced EVOGO as a battery-swapping service and modular battery solution for passenger vehicles, broadening its activities beyond conventional plug-in charging.

  Product launch
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• 2021CATL introduces sodium-ion battery technology

  CATL unveiled a sodium-ion battery aimed at automotive applications and continued work on battery recycling and alternative materials.

  Product launch
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• 2020CATL announces million-mile battery capability

  Chairman Robin Zeng said CATL had developed an electric-vehicle battery designed for approximately one million miles of use.

  Product launch
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• 2018CATL lists on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange

  The company completed its public listing in Shenzhen, supporting further expansion of battery production and research.

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• 2018CATL listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange

  CATL completed its initial public offering and began trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under code 300750.

  M&A
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• 2017CATL becomes a leading global EV-battery supplier

  CATL’s power-battery-system sales reached 11.84 GWh, putting the company at the top of global suppliers for the first time.

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1. CATL
2. CATL official website
3. CATL completes Hong Kong listing and becomes an A+H company
4. CATL completed Hong Kong listing
5. CATL increases direct-to-consumer brand communication
6. CATL launches EVOGO battery-swapping brand and modular swapping solution
7. CATL listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange