#China #CATL #Safety #Bedrock Chassis #Ningde

Introduction

On December 24, 2024, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) made a significant advancement in automotive safety with the launch of the Bedrock Chassis, touted as the world's first ultra-safe skateboard chassis. This innovative product can withstand frontal impacts at speeds of 120 km/h without catching fire, exploding, or experiencing thermal runaway. Such remarkable durability promises to redefine safety standards in the automotive industry, catering to users across diverse scenarios and speed ranges.

Technological Breakthroughs

CATL's Bedrock Chassis incorporates several technological innovations aimed at enhancing safety. The design specifically utilizes Cell-to-Chassis integration technology, which merges the battery cells directly into the chassis structure. This not only simplifies the architecture but also reinforces safety by improving energy absorption capabilities. In a striking contrast to conventional chassis designs that absorb around 60% of collision energy, the Bedrock Chassis boasts an impressive 85% energy absorption rate, thus reducing the impact force on passengers during accidents.

Safety Tests and Standards

Furthermore, the Bedrock Chassis has successfully completed the industry’s first dual extreme safety tests, which evaluate performance under both high-speed and high-impact conditions. In standard assessments like the C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program), frontal impact tests are typically conducted at 56 km/h. However, CATL's technology withstands tests at 120 km/h—effectively simulating collision scenarios comparable to falling from a height of 56 meters. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the chassis's mission to elevate automotive safety beyond current parameters and establish a new benchmark in the industry.

Innovative Structure

The Bedrock Chassis introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise shell structure, effectively integrating the vehicle's body and energy units. This design allows the chassis to distribute impact forces across multiple pathways. Additionally, the use of submarine-grade hot-formed steel supplemented with aerospace-grade aluminum increases the structural rigidity needed for high-impact scenarios. Such material innovation further strengthens the protective features of the chassis, ensuring maximum safety for its passengers.

Battery Safety Enhancements

In pursuit of comprehensive safety, CATL also incorporates ultra-safe battery cell designs featuring NP technology along with advanced energy-absorbing insulation films. These elements are critical in preventing battery-related incidents during collisions. Notably, the battery cells have passed extensive safety testing, including high-speed sled and 90-degree bending tests, without showing any signs of failure, fire, or explosion.

Customization and Market Potential

The launch of the Bedrock Chassis signals a shift towards a trillion-yuan market, paving the way for future modular, personalized, and intelligent vehicle designs. CATL addresses several industry challenges, such as high investment costs and extended development cycles, by incorporating three core characteristics: internal integration of components, decoupling design from the upper body, and external platform openness. This flexibility allows for rapid adaptation and development of various vehicle models under a single chassis architecture.

Conclusion

With its focus on safety and innovation, CATL's Bedrock Chassis represents a monumental step towards ultra-safe transportation. The company is committed to collaborating with partners to continue technological advancements and create a secure ecosystem for electric vehicle batteries and vehicles. As demonstrated during its launch, the Bedrock Chassis is more than just a product; it's a declaration of CATL's dedication to safeguarding the future of automotive travel.