China / Germany - Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), based in Ningde, Fujian, has announced a partnership with fellow Chinese company and EV start-up, Neta Auto, a subsidiary of Hozon New Energy Automobile Co Ltd, based in Beijing, to collaborate on the Intelligent Chassis project, an integrated EV chassis featuring battery-electric drive and Cell to Chassis (CTC) technology, replacing the traditional EV battery packs with fully integrated battery cells mounted directly in the EV’s chassis.

Through what is being abbreviated to CTC (Cell to Chassis) technology, the main components of the battery and other systems are integrated into the floor of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate battery packs. The companies state this can reduce the initial cost to users and energy consumption, increase the range per charge and expand passenger space. CATL revealed it owns the proprietary Integrated Intelligent Chassis technology, signalling that it is the first Chinese company to develop and integrate this new technology.