Changan Auto, Ganfeng Lithium forge partnership to boost R&D of solid-state batteries

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In a dedicated effort to advance the Project Shangri-La New Energy Development Plan and refine its industrial layout, Changan Automobile officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Ganfeng Lithium, one of the world's top producers of the commodity used in electric vehicle, on December 22 in Ningbo city, Zhejiang province. This collaboration aims to accelerate the transformation of Changan Automobile into a leading intelligent, low-carbon mobility technology company.

Photo credit: Changan Automobile

The memorandum outlines Changan Automobile's intention, along with its affiliates, to establish a long-term strategic partnership with Ganfeng Lithium. The focus includes expediting the (semi-) solid-state battery R&D joint venture and manufacturing industrialization projects. Additionally, the collaboration will explore extending cooperation throughout the battery industry chain, encompassing upstream lithium mining resources, lithium salt deep processing, battery materials, midstream battery manufacturing, and downstream comprehensive recycling of used batteries.

Built on the Shangri-La plan initiated in 2017, which accelerated the transition to new energy vehicles, Changan Automobile has strategically deployed three new energy intelligent vehicle brands: AVATR, DEEPAL, and NEVO. With products such as the DEEPAL SL03, the DEEPAL S7, the AVATR 11, the AVATR 12, and the NEVO A07, the company offers a diverse range of power options, covering pure electric, plug-in hybrid electric, extended-range, and hydrogen fuel powertrain solutions. Looking ahead, Changan Automobile plans to innovate in technology, addressing issues related to vehicle energy consumption, battery safety, and energy replenishment efficiency, aiming to solidify its core competitiveness in corporate culture, operation efficiency, and software capabilities while transitioning into a smart, low-carbon mobility technology company.

Changan Automobile's Chairman, Zhu Huarong, stated, "The signing of the strategic cooperation memorandum with Ganfeng Lithium is a continuous step in implementing Changan's Shangri-La plan and the Golden Shield battery brand strategy. Leveraging our respective strengths, we aim to expedite the industrialization of (semi-) solid-state battery technology, offering users a safer and more comfortable experience with new energy products. Simultaneously, we seek to explore in-depth collaboration across the battery industry chain, establishing a robust strategic partnership to enhance the security and resilience of the industry chain, collectively driving high-quality industry development."