As we move into the era of electric vehicles (EVs), the dynamics of the automotive industry are undergoing a transformative shiftThe traditional relationship between vehicle manufacturers and suppliers is evolving, with suppliers now forging closer ties with automakers from various anglesThis transformation is exemplified by the recent launch of a new skateboard chassis by CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), a leading global supplier of battery technologiesOn December 24th, CATL introduced its latest innovation, the "Panshi" chassis, which is set to make its debut in the new AVITA electric vehicle.

The implications of this innovation are significantAccording to CATL, the Panshi chassis will dramatically reduce the time it takes for new models to reach the market while simultaneously lowering development costs and BOM (Bill of Materials) costs substantiallyThanks to its modular design, the chassis offers remarkable adaptability, steering vehicle production towards increased modularity, customization, and intelligence.

In the context of software-defined vehicles, CATL’s skateboard chassis represents a strategic choice for automakers looking to minimize their investments in electrification

This allows them to concentrate more resources on enhancing the intelligent features of their vehicles, which is becoming increasingly crucial in today's automotive landscape.

The potential market for such substrates is enormousIndustry projections suggest that by 2030, the penetration rate of skateboard chassis could reach roughly 5% to 10%, resulting in a market size exceeding hundreds of billions of dollarsCATL has positioned itself creatively to capitalize on this burgeoning market, with a transformed business model that goes beyond battery manufacturing.

The Panshi chassis is engineered as an electrified Integrated Intelligent Chassis (CIIC), emphasizing safety and efficiencyNotably, it features a unique biomimetic structural design inspired by tortoise shells, which combines the vehicle frame with the energy storage structure below it, creating a deep synergy that bolsters structural integrity

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Advanced materials, including 2000MPa high-strength hot-formed steel and 600MPa aluminum alloys, amplify the chassis's supportive strength.

According to Yang Hanbing, managing director of CATL (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology, the Panshi chassis is the flagship CIIC version, designed to withstand collisions at speeds up to 120 km/h without igniting or exploding, even under electric power conditionsThis focus on safety resonates deeply within the century-long history of the automobile industry, where vehicle safety has always been a paramount concern.

During a showcase event, CATL demonstrated crash tests featuring their innovative chassisA vehicle was subjected to a frontal collision at 120 km/h, yet it remained stable, without any fires or explosions post-impactAdditional testing involved a frontal pole test—despite substantial deformation of the pole, the vehicle's airbags deployed normally and the battery pack maintained a temperature of just 21 degrees Celsius, showing no signs of thermal runaway.

For context, the standard industry procedure requires C-NCAP crash testing at speeds of 56 km/h, which equates to the energy impact of falling from a height of 12 meters

The CATL Panshi chassis effectively raises this to a simulated drop from 56 meters during a 120 km/h impact, generating collision energy over 4.6 times greater than the earlier standard.

At the core of the Panshi chassis design is the battery itself, leveraging a 'cell-to-chassis' integration approach that enables structural sharing between the cells and the chassisThis engineering choice allows for up to 85% collision energy absorption—a significant advantage over traditional chassis designs, which only achieve around 60% absorption capability.

To enhance cell safety even further, CATL has incorporated NP technology alongside high-durability energy-absorbing insulating membranes, which boast stretching capabilities in excess of hundreds of timesImpressively, the cell itself withstood extreme crash tests involving a high-speed collision of 60 km/h, significant bending, and severe transverse sawing, without catching fire or exploding.

Moreover, the high-voltage system has been designed to malfunction safely; it can cut off power within 0.01 seconds during a collision and release any residuals within just 0.2 seconds, adding another layer of safety for passengers and first responders alike.

Yang Hanbing emphasized that the Panshi chassis allows manufacturers greater freedom and efficiency in vehicle production, aiming to concentrate more on enriching user experience and functionality development while considerably reducing the chassis's redundant development time

This could lead to vehicle development cycles being compressed to just 12 to 18 months, significantly shortening consumer wait times for new releases.

From a financial perspective, CATL's skateboard chassis can yield savings of 60% to 70% on development costs for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), while also reducing BOM costs by approximately 5%. This economic advantage is compelling for automakers striving to adopt more efficient practices in a highly competitive market.

At the launch event, Chen Zhuo, president of AVITA Technology, announced that AVITA would be the first to adopt the Panshi chassis for its new EV lineupHe asserted that all models developed under AVITA would exclusively utilize CATL batteries, showcasing a commitment to quality and performance that's certain to resonate in the market.

Chen emphasized that the era of electrification and intelligent vehicles is already upon us, with customizability becoming a driving force for future market trends

The Panshi chassis creates a perfect opportunity for automakers to leverage this shift toward more personalized and intelligent vehicle designs.

As several manufacturers plan new models based on CATL's Panshi chassis, the ramifications of this technological advance will be transformativeNot only is AVITA committing, but BAIC New Energy recently announced its collaboration with CATL in early December to develop an integrated intelligent skateboard chassis platform, paving the way for a range of versatile vehicle typesOther automakers are also exploring partnerships with CATL, identifying a lucrative pathway for innovation in their electric vehicle strategies.

According to Huatai Securities, the anticipated market share for skateboard chassis could range from 4.8% to 10.4% by 2030, translating to a market worth between 100 billion and 200 billion RMBCATL, therefore, stands on the cusp of not just maintaining its position as a leading battery producer but also evolving into a comprehensive solution provider linked closely to OEMs by delivering integrated solutions that encompass both electrification and intelligent applications.

This paradigm shift entails fostering profound mutual trust between OEMs and suppliers like CATL, empowering manufacturers to delegate greater quality assurance and production elements confidently