CATL Unveils Revolutionary Bedrock Chassis Designed for Ultimate Safety Against High-Speed Impacts
In a groundbreaking move for the automotive industry, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has officially introduced the CATL Bedrock Chassis, which sets a new standard in safety and innovation. Launched on December 24, 2024, this ultra-safe skateboard chassis is designed to withstand frontal collisions at speeds of 120 km/h without igniting or exploding, making it the first of its kind in the world.
The Bedrock Chassis features a cutting-edge design focused on battery integration. Utilizing 'Cell-to-Chassis' technology, battery cells are directly integrated into the chassis structure, which not only optimizes design integrity but also enhances safety. This innovative structure enables the Bedrock Chassis to absorb an impressive 85% of collision energy, outperforming traditional chassis that typically absorb around 60%. This capability significantly boosts safety across a range of speeds and collision scenarios.
In an industry-first, CATL's Bedrock has passed the extreme dual safety test of 'highest speed + strongest impact.' This substantial achievement means that the chassis fared positively during frontal impact tests at 120 km/h, a benchmark that is 4.6 times more powerful than standard testing scenarios government like the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP). To illustrate, a collision at this elevated speed mimics the impact energy equivalent to falling from a 56-meter building, demonstrating the chassis's formidable capability to withstand intense pressures.
The catastrophic potential of high-speed impacts is further compounded in tests where the area of impact is significantly reduced, such as collisions with poles or large animals. Here, the pressure on the chassis can be as much as 21 times greater than in typical wide-front crashes at lower speeds. Traditionally, no new energy vehicle dared to undergo such a rigorous test. CATL’s Bedrock Chassis, however, boldly takes this challenge, promising to elevate the level of collision safety in the automotive sector.
The design also integrates a biomimetic three-dimensional structure that resembles a turtle shell, where the energy unit structure and bodywork are deeply coupled, providing indestructible protective features. For added robustness, CATL employs submarine steel shaped at 2000 MPa strength and aerospace-grade aluminum alloys rated at 600 MPa. This multi-layered approach enhances chassis rigidity, making it almost impervious to impacts.
Moreover, the chassis incorporates an ultra-safe battery cell design that innovatively leads the industry. On impact, high voltage circuits disconnect within a mere 0.01 seconds, followed by the discharge of residual energy in 0.2 seconds—an industry record. Each element of the chassis, including the battery cells, has undergone extensive testing, including high-speed sled impacts, 90-degree bending tests, and sawing break tests, all confirming sturdiness without combustion or explosions.
Beyond safety, the CATL Bedrock signals a shift toward customization in vehicle design, opening the door to a trillion yuan market. This chassis addresses common industry issues such as high investments, lengthy development cycles, and rapid product iterations. With internal integration, chassis decoupling from the car's upper body, and external openings for modular design, it introduces remarkable flexibility that ensures a successful transition to modular, customized, and intelligent vehicle architectures.
AVATR, the first car manufacturer to adopt the Bedrock Chassis, has already signed an agreement with CATL’s subsidiary CAIT-SH to enhance collaboration in developing this revolutionary product further.
As CATL continues to innovate, they are committed to working alongside partners to foster a safe ecosystem for batteries and electric vehicles, creating a safer experience for all users. Safety in transportation is an endless journey, and the Bedrock Chassis illustrates a significant leap forward in this quest.