Changan collaborates with Ganfeng Lithium to advance new energy industrial layout

Changan Automobile has inked a cooperation deal with Ganfeng Lithium in Chongqing, signaling a pivotal stride in the realization of its ambitious "Shangri-La" New Energy Development plan.

Changan Automobile signed a MOU with Ganfeng Lithium. [Photo/Changan Automobile]

This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understandings, is strategically poised to advance battery technology, particularly emphasizing the research and development of semi solid-state and solid-state batteries.

The memorandum outlines a comprehensive agenda that includes joint ventures and industrial projects designed to significantly impact various facets of the battery industry. This comprehensive collaboration extends to the exploration of lithium mines, lithium salt processing, battery materials, manufacturing processes, and the recycling of used batteries.  

Zhu Huarong, chairman of Changan Automobile, stated, "The strategic memorandum signing between Changan Automobile and Ganfeng Lithium marks the continued advancement of Changan Automobile's 'Shangri-La' plan and its independent battery brand. Both parties will leverage their respective resources to expedite their battery technological industrialization, offering users a safer and more reassuring experience with new energy products." Zhu went on to underscore that they will explore further cooperation in the battery industrial chain in order to fortify a stable strategic relationship. This will enhance the industrial chain's security and resilience, which will drive high-quality development.

Li Liangbin, chairman of Ganfeng Lithium, highlighted the company's intent to leverage its expertise across the entire battery industrial chain. It aims to construct a solid-state battery research, development, and manufacturing base that is firmly rooted in China, but also has global influence.

Changan Automobile has already made significant strides in the realm of batteries. Their unveiling of the self-developed battery brand, Jinzhongzhao, at the Guangzhou Auto Show last November, marked a pivotal entry into this domain. In a week's time, the joint venture between Changan, CATL, and Deepal, named CATL-Changan EV Battery Co, rolled out its inaugural battery cell product.

Changan Automobile entered the battery sector. [Photo/Changan Automobile]

These advancements are positioned to fortify Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle lineup, featuring an array of power options, such as pure electric, plug-in hybrid, extended-range, and hydrogen-fuel vehicles. These are housed under various brands like Avatr, Deepal, and Qiyuan, aiming to offer consumers diverse travel choices that align with evolving energy preferences.

Zhu emphasized that Changan's unwavering commitment to technological innovations, particularly in optimizing vehicle energy consumption, ensures battery safety and enhances energy replenishment efficiency. The company is dedicated to evolving into an intelligent, low-carbon travel technology enterprise. It will do so by bolstering its core competitive strengths: culture, efficiency, and software.