Toyota has agreed to partner Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) for the development and supply of the Japanese automaker giant’s forthcoming electrified vehicles. The Japanese automaker giant added that both parties have started discussions for subjects including new technology development and the recycling of used batteries.
“To further promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles, CATL and Toyota agree that a stable supply of batteries is critical and that battery technology must be further developed and advanced,” Toyota said in a statement. As for its most recent development for the Chinese market, Toyota has signed an agreement with BYD for the joint development of battery-electric vehicles, set for the Chinese market by the mid-2020s.
Toyota’s move to work with a technology partner appears to be an acknowledgement that the automaker might not be able to meet demand for EV batteries on its own, Reuters noted, adding that its partnership with CATL should widen its procurement reach; the Chinese technology firm has existing relationships with other automakers such as Honda, as well as a multi-billion dollar battery supply deal with Volvo, it said.
An earlier Automotive News report cites CATL battery packs as a possible fit for Honda’s forthcoming global modular electric platform, alongside Panasonic which was also named as a likely supplier. As for Toyota itself, it has been the first off the blocks in mass-producing hybrids with the Prius, though fully electric models such as the C-HR EV and Izoa have only recently joined its model line-up.
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