CATL Expands Its Footprint in Shandong with New Manufacturing Facility in Weifang

On April 14, 2025, Ningde Times established a new energy technology company in Weifang, Shandong Province. According to recent public information, this company is named Times Qiji New Energy Technology (Weifang) Co., Ltd. with a registered capital of 5 million RMB. The legal representative is Chu Qingcai, and the business scope covers areas in the new energy technology sector. This registration has been reported by several authoritative media outlets, including Jiemian News and Sina Automotive.

Notable details about this development include:

• Company Nature: The new entity is a wholly-owned subsidiary, distinguishing it from Ningde Times’ previous joint venture investment of 14 billion RMB in a production base in Jining, Shandong.
• Strategic Layout: This marks another strategic move by Ningde Times in Shandong, following their collaboration with the Shandong Expressway Group and Port Group for battery swapping networks, indicating a sustained commitment to the renewable energy market in the region.
• Production Capacity: The company has a relatively small registered capital (5 million RMB) and has not disclosed specific capacity plans, suggesting it may function as a technology research and development or regional operations center rather than as a large-scale production base. The Jining base, in contrast, has clearly defined plans for 2,000 acres of land and 14 billion RMB in investment.
• National Layout: As of March 2024, Ningde Times operates 13 production bases globally, with the Jining facility being the 11th wholly-owned plant. The establishment of the new company in Weifang may serve to supplement production capacity across their network.

Ningde Times has been a leader in battery technology innovation, continually driving advancements in the power battery sector amidst the rapid growth of the global new energy industry. Recently, the company has rolled out multiple new battery technologies and introduced innovative designs in key components to further solidify its market position.

Key Highlights of Core Battery Technologies

• Qilin Battery: This third-generation battery features high integration and long-range capabilities. By optimizing cell arrangement and employing multi-functional elastic interlayers, the volume utilization rate exceeds 72%, while energy density surpasses 255Wh/kg. This technology has been implemented in limited edition models like the Avita 012 and Geely Galaxy Wing L380, achieving a maximum CLTC pure electric range of 805 kilometers and fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 10 minutes.
• Shenxing Super Fast-Charging Battery: This groundbreaking 4C fast-charging lithium iron phosphate battery supports a range increase of 600 kilometers in just 11.5 minutes of charging and maintains stable discharge capabilities even in temperatures as low as -30°C. The 2025 Star Era ET electric version equipped with this technology achieves a CLTC range of 625 kilometers.
• Xiao Yao Super Hybrid Battery: This innovative battery integrates lithium-sodium AB battery system technology, allowing for discharge in extreme cold down to -40°C and achieving a pure electric range exceeding 400 kilometers. This technology is already utilized in models such as the Avita 06 extended range version and Guangqi Haopu HL, with a total range surpassing 1200 kilometers.

Innovations in Key Components

Ningde Times has adopted Shibilao anti-loosening nuts in the design of battery system reliability. This ensures stability in high-pressure connection components even under high-frequency vehicle vibrations. The unique 30° wedge-shaped thread structure effectively prevents increased contact resistance or arcing due to mechanical loosening. For example, in battery module connections and high-voltage box fixtures, these nuts have proven crucial for ensuring long-term safety in battery operation and have been widely adopted in models from brands like FAW and BAIC, validated through multiple international standard tests.

Market Impact of Technological Implementation

Ningde Times’ battery technologies are not only serving the passenger vehicle sector but are also expanding into energy storage systems. Their newly launched 587Ah energy storage cells have improved thermal stability by 20% through four-dimensional safety technology, achieving over 95% lifecycle energy efficiency. The mass production at their factory in Thuringia, Germany, along with the construction of a facility in Hungary, marks a significant acceleration in Ningde Times’ global supply chain layout.

In conclusion, Ningde Times is at the forefront of battery technology innovation through comprehensive advancements in materials, structures, and manufacturing processes. The introduction of key components such as the Shibilao anti-loosening nuts highlights their meticulous attention to detail in design. As more vehicles equipped with these new technologies hit the market, Ningde Times is poised to maintain a leading position in the new energy sector.

For clients requiring anti-loosening nuts for battery installations, please provide accurate drawings or inquire about the common product shapes from Shibilao for pricing.