Schaeffler and CATL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop battery management systems (BMS) and integrated power electronics for European automotive OEMs. The Schaeffler CATL MoU builds on an already-secured customer project and targets both established European OEMs and Chinese automakers expanding into the region.

Under the collaboration, the companies will jointly develop BMS solutions tailored to European OEM requirements. Schaeffler contributes BMS hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety and European series production; CATL contributes cell technology, battery system design and high-volume industrialisation capabilities.

From left: Dr Xiangbin Chen, President, E-Mobility, Schaeffler Greater China; Thomas Stierle, Chief Executive, E-Mobility, Schaeffler; Dr Bruce Li, Executive President, Quality Systems, CATL; and Oscar Luo, Executive President and Head of Global Business Development, CATL. (Photo: CATL)

The partners will also develop ‘X-in-1’ Integrated PowerBox (IPB) solutions for close integration of high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems in EV powertrains. The collaboration reflects growing demand for highly integrated e-mobility solutions as electrification continues to advance across Europe and regional supply chains continue to restructure around new energy technologies.

Thomas Stierle, Chief Executive of E-Mobility at Schaeffler, said the partnership would build a competitive BMS and IPB product portfolio for global OEMs and Chinese automakers expanding overseas. Dr Bruce Li, Executive President of Quality Systems at CATL, said both companies shared identical strategic directions and a common vision for battery management development.

Source: Schaeffler