Schaeffler and CATL Sign MoU for BMS and X-in-1 PowerBox Development

Schaeffler and CATL Agree on Joint Electrification Development

Schaeffler AG has signed a memorandum of understanding with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) covering the joint development of battery management systems and “X-in-1” integrated PowerBox (IPB) solutions. The agreement builds on an already secured customer project and responds to increasing demand for advanced electrification technologies in Europe and other markets. The collaboration is intended to combine complementary capabilities from both companies to develop solutions that address the specific requirements of automotive manufacturers while supporting the wider adoption of integrated electrical and electronic systems in vehicle applications.

Joint Development of Battery Management Systems

Under the planned collaboration, Schaeffler and CATL will jointly develop battery management system solutions tailored to the specific requirements of European automotive manufacturers. These systems are expected to draw on Schaeffler’s established capabilities in BMS hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety, testing, validation, and localized series production in Europe. CATL contributes its expertise in battery cell producing technology, battery system development, and high-volume industrialization. Combining these capabilities is intended to support the development of BMS solutions that can meet the technical and production requirements associated with increasingly sophisticated electric vehicle architectures.

X-in-1 Integrated PowerBox Solutions

The memorandum also covers the planned development of “X-in-1” integrated PowerBox solutions, designed to enable close integration between high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems. Such integration can bring multiple electrical and electromechanical functions into a more consolidated system architecture, supporting the requirements of modern electrified vehicles. The collaboration therefore extends beyond battery management to broader power and system integration capabilities. By combining Schaeffler’s system integration and functional safety expertise with CATL’s battery system and industrialization capabilities, the partners aim to develop integrated solutions suitable for automotive applications and scalable production requirements.

Advanced Technologies for Battery Management

CATL also plans to explore applications of advanced technologies, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence, within battery management scenarios. The exploration reflects the increasing role of software, data processing, and intelligent functions in managing complex battery systems. These technologies could support the broader evolution of battery management architectures as electric vehicles require increasingly sophisticated monitoring and control capabilities. The agreement positions these advanced technology areas alongside the core BMS and integrated PowerBox development activities, creating a broader framework for cooperation between the two companies across hardware, software, system integration, and battery-related technologies.

Combined Expertise Supports European Electrification Demand

The collaboration brings together distinct capabilities from both companies. Schaeffler contributes expertise spanning BMS hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety, testing, validation, and localized series production in Europe. CATL contributes expertise in battery cell producing technology, battery system development, and high-volume industrialization. Together, these capabilities are intended to address the growing demand for innovative electrification solutions among European automotive manufacturers. The cooperation also builds on an already secured customer project, giving the development activities a direct connection to an existing customer requirement while creating opportunities for broader applications in the European market and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Schaeffler and CATL jointly developing?
The companies are jointly developing battery management systems and “X-in-1” integrated PowerBox solutions for automotive applications, building on an already secured customer project. The BMS development will target the specific requirements of European automotive manufacturers, while the integrated PowerBox solutions are intended to closely combine high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems. CATL will also explore advanced technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence for battery management scenarios. The collaboration combines Schaeffler’s BMS, integration, safety, testing, validation, and European production capabilities with CATL’s battery and industrialization expertise.

What expertise does each company contribute?

How do Schaeffler and CATL complement each other?
Schaeffler contributes expertise in BMS hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety, testing, validation, and localized series production in Europe. CATL contributes expertise in battery cell producing technology, battery system development, and high-volume industrialization. This combination brings together capabilities across battery systems, electronics, software, safety, validation, manufacturing, and industrial-scale production. The partners intend to use these complementary strengths to develop solutions tailored to European automotive manufacturers while addressing the broader demand for integrated electrification technologies in Europe and other markets.