BUSINESS

CATL Partners With Changan Mazda in Breakthrough EV Chassis Tie-up

Published: May. 14, 2025 3:37 a.m. GMT+8

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The integrated skateboard chassis is one of CATL’s emerging business lines

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, will collaborate with Changan Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd. to develop EVs using CATL’s integrated skateboard chassis technology. The partnership marks the battery giant's first such deal with a foreign auto brand.

The integrated skateboard chassis — a platform that combines the battery and vehicle underpinnings in a single unit — is one of CATL’s emerging business lines. Although the concept isn’t new, it has gained relevance in the electric age as EV makers seek to improve driving range and cut costs. Major EV players such as Tesla Inc. and BYD Co. Ltd., are also developing solutions for highly integrated platforms.

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CATL will partner with Changan Mazda to develop EVs using CATL’s integrated skateboard chassis, its first such deal with a foreign auto brand.
CATL aims to reduce automaker development time and costs by bundling batteries with chassis, expanding beyond supplying batteries.
Changan Mazda’s 2024 China sales fell 14.19% year-on-year to 75,600 units; adopting CATL’s platform aims to boost efficiency amid electrification pressures.

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Who’s Who

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL): Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is the world’s largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Beyond supplying batteries, CATL now offers integrated skateboard chassis platforms to automakers, aiming to reduce development time and costs. Previously, its chassis partnerships were mainly with firms where CATL holds equity, but its recent collaboration with Changan Mazda marks its first such deal with a foreign auto brand.

Changan Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd.: Changan Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between China’s Changan Automobile (47.5%) and Japan’s Mazda Motor Corp. (with Mazda Motor Corp. and Mazda China together holding 47.5%), plus 5% by FAW Group. It is currently Mazda’s sole joint venture in China. The company is shifting to electrification due to declining sales and partners with CATL to use skateboard chassis technology for cost reduction and EV development.

Tesla Inc.: According to the article, Tesla Inc. is one of the major electric vehicle players developing highly integrated platforms similar to CATL’s integrated skateboard chassis technology. This approach aims to improve EV driving range and reduce costs by combining the battery and vehicle underpinnings in a single unit.

BYD Co. Ltd.: BYD Co. Ltd. is mentioned in the article as one of the major EV players developing highly integrated platforms similar to CATL’s skateboard chassis technology. This approach aims to combine the battery and vehicle underpinnings in a single unit, improving efficiency and reducing production costs in electric vehicles.

Nezha Auto: Nezha Auto is an automaker in which CATL holds an equity stake. The first passenger car to use CATL’s skateboard chassis was a Nezha model launched in August 2024. However, this model has struggled in the market, and Nezha is currently facing financial difficulties.

Changan Automobile Co. Ltd.: Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. is a major Chinese automaker involved in several joint ventures, including Changan Mazda and high-end EV brand Avatr. It holds a 47.5% stake in Changan Mazda, which is now Mazda’s sole joint venture in China. Changan also develops electric vehicle platforms, supplying technology for models like the Changan Mazda EZ-6 and Avatr, reflecting its growing role in China’s electric and smart car market.

Avatr Technology Co., Ltd.: Avatr Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-end automotive brand under Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. Its premium models will feature the new generation of CATL’s integrated skateboard chassis technology. CATL holds equity in Avatr, and the partnership supports Avatr’s electric vehicle development.

Mazda Motor Corporation: Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automaker that, through its joint venture Changan Mazda with Changan Automobile, operates in China. Mazda and its China-based entity jointly hold a 47.5% stake in Changan Mazda. Facing declining sales in China, Mazda is accelerating its electrification strategy by leveraging Changan’s EV technology and collaborating with CATL for integrated skateboard chassis platforms to reduce costs and strengthen its competitiveness in the Chinese electric vehicle market.

FAW Group: According to the article, FAW Group holds a 5% stake in Changan Mazda, which is a joint venture between Changan Automobile and Mazda Motor Corp. The article does not provide further details about FAW Group.

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