CATL Expands Ambitions Beyond Batteries to Green Energy and EV Platforms

Robin Zeng, founder of CATL, envisions a future where his company leads in zero-carbon grids and affordable electric vehicle platforms.

CATL aims to revolutionize the energy sector by developing zero-carbon electric grids, potentially generating ten times more revenue than its current EV battery business.
The company plans to introduce an off-the-shelf EV platform that could drastically reduce development costs, making it accessible to new market entrants.
CATL is considering building a U.S. plant if President-elect Donald Trump allows Chinese investment in the EV supply chain, highlighting ongoing trade tensions.
Zeng is skeptical about solid-state batteries and sees sodium-ion batteries as a promising alternative due to their cost-effectiveness and safety benefits.
Despite facing competition, CATL is advancing its European operations with new factories in Spain and Hungary, aiming for profitability by 2026.