CATL Could Revolutionize Electric Vehicles with Its Skateboard Platform

CATL, the battery giant, has just unveiled a “skateboard” chassis that could make a spectacular ollie in the automotive industry.

This skateboard chassis or “Bedrock” developed by CATL, flat and modular, promises to push the boundaries in terms of safety, design, and customization. A true ride into the future. Safety is clearly its best trick. The batteries are directly integrated into the structure, allowing it to absorb up to 85% of the energy in the event of a collision, whereas traditional chassis struggle to reach 60%. During a crash test at 120 km/h, the prototype held up well, with no flames, no explosions, zero thermal runaway. Performance worthy of a pro rider.

To achieve this level, CATL relied on cutting-edge materials: ultra-resistant steel, aerospace aluminum, and a design inspired by a turtle shell. Yes, we’re serious. In case of impact, the system cuts off the electrical supply in 0.01 seconds, a record that places safety at the top of the podium.

But this chassis isn’t limited to that. Thanks to its modular design, it allows automakers to drastically reduce development times. What used to take 36 months could now take only 12-18 months. And since the upper part of the vehicle is completely independent, the styling possibilities are endless. Perfect for imagining truly custom models, perfectly tailored to drivers’ desires.

As a bonus, this skateboard is built for advanced levels of autonomous driving L3 and L4. The first to adopt it? Avatr Technology, a subsidiary of Changan Automobile, which already plans to launch models based on this innovative platform.

With this skateboard chassis, CATL delivers a real kickflip into the automotive world. Safe, flexible, and forward-thinking, it heralds a new era where safety and personalization go hand in hand.

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