Bosch teams up with China's CATL in EV battery deal

German auto supplier Bosch is partnering with Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) to develop high-performance battery cells.

CATL will design, develop and manufacture electric vehicle (EV) battery cells to specifications given to by Bosch. The partnership is part of the German company's development of 48-volt hybrid powertrain system, which is used to augment a combustion engine and charge the battery during braking, cutting fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Bosch has already undertaken powertrain projects for 50 different EV platforms and is the market leader in China, which is the largest and fastest-growing EV market in the world.

“In combination with our systems know-how and expertise in battery management, we will extend our strong position in the 48-volt battery market,” said Stefan Hartung, a member of the board at Bosch and chair of its Mobility Solutions unit.

Bosch is anticipating that by 2025, almost 20% of new cars sold around the globe will contain a 48-volt system and matching battery on board. 

Bosch's facility in Wuxi, China, began production of the first generation of 48-volt battery at the end of 2018. The battery's latest version is both compact and passively cooled. What this means is that automakers can easily integrate the battery into their vehicle and require no additional cooling.

Bosch Chief Executive Volkmar Denner said last year that in order for the company to produce its own EV battery cells, entering the market alone would require an expenditure of €20-billion. 

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