SAIC-GM, CATL sign strategic cooperation agreement to research, develop NEV batteries

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC-GM and China's EV battery giant CATL recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, saying that both parties will join forces to seek in-depth exploration in battery technology field, and deepen cooperation in R&D of SAIC-GM's next-gen NEV batteries.

By virtue of their respective advantages, SAIC-GM and CATL will jointly explore highly-efficient cooperative mode to deepen strategic cooperation in NEV battery field. In the meantime, as their cooperation deepens, both parties will jointly improve their abilities in sustainable development and innovation to shape potent core competitiveness. 

It is said that GM's NEV batteries are provided by LG Chem in overseas market. However, if GM wants to gain subsidies from local government, it is required to cooperate with local battery company.

According to a foreign media report, GM has postponed the launch plan for the Buick Velite 6, a PHEV which will be produced from September this year as scheduled, due to the substandard performance and safety of the batteries offered by A123 Systems.

SAIC-GM will launch 10 NEV models by 2020. Models under Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet will be partly electrified by 2025, covering pure electric vehicle and PHEV. What's more, SAIC-GM aims to achieve NEV sales of 100,000 units by 2020. The partnership with CATL will help accelerate SAIC's deployment in NEV area.