CATL Launches “Factory-in-Factory” Battery Production at Seres’ Plant
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On June 30, CATL officially began production at two CTP2.0 (Cell-to-Pack) high-end battery pack production lines within the “Seres Super Factory” located in Chongqing. This marks CATL’s first operational base in Chongqing and introduces a pioneering “factory-in-factory” (FiF) collaboration model. This innovative setup integrates core component suppliers directly into the vehicle manufacturing plant.
According to Seres, this model allows for production line adjustments based on company directives in under 20 minutes, with thousands of components supplied daily and all turnaround completed within the same day. Dr. Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, emphasized the advanced nature of the production line, stating, “The production line launched is CATL’s most advanced intelligent and digital production line.”
The strategic partnership between Seres and CATL dates back to August 2022 when they signed a strategic cooperation agreement that has since been strengthened. Under this agreement, Aito vehicles will exclusively feature CATL power batteries for the next five years, with new Aito models fully integrating CATL’s Qilin batteries. Aito is a collaborative project between Seres and Huawei, although it’s important to note that this brand does not operate as a joint venture. In July 2024, Seres acquired the Aito trademark and patents from Huawei in a deal worth 2.5 million yuan (approximately 344 million USD). Nevertheless, Huawei remains a key supplier of parts and software, and it also sells Aito-branded cars through its own HIMA sales network.
Positioned as a new luxury automotive brand, Aito has achieved over 700,000 vehicles in market ownership, and the Seres Super Factory in Chongqing serves as a vital production hub.
CATL continues to hold a strong position in the power battery market. According to data from the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance, from January to May of this year, China’s power battery installations totaled 241.4 GWh, reflecting a 50.4% year-over-year increase. CATL’s installations during the first five months reached 103.20 GWh, which accounts for 42.90% of the market share, albeit with a slight decrease of 3.83 percentage points year-on-year.
Moreover, the collaboration between CATL and Seres extends into the zero-carbon sector. In April of this year, the two companies successfully completed and grid-connected the first phase of a 50 MWh distributed photovoltaic project at the Seres Super Factory, thereby providing the facility with essential green energy.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/catl-launches-innovative-battery-production-at-seres-super-factory-in-chongqing/
