Hyundai to adopt CATL’s CTP tech widely in 2023

Hyundai Motor is planning to apply CATL’s cell to pack technology on its new electric vehicles next year.

The technology, which puts battery cells into packs directly without modules, will be adopted on new light electric vehicle models such as the Kia Ray first, sources said.

However, the auto giant will use nickel-based batteries rather than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Tesla, which has also adopted the Chinese battery maker’s CTP technology, uses LFP batteries for its vehicles sold in China.

CATL’s CTP technology is in its third generation and the company had claimed its latest iteration offers 13% more density than conventional 4680 batteries.

The technology also comes with an increased durability by placing vertical structures and materials between cells to absorb shocks.

Hyundai Motor’s move is expected to see it use more batterie made by CATL going forward while those from LG Energy Solution and SK On are likely to be reduced.

The South Korean carmaker is also planning to import more batteries from its Chinese battery supplier for its car models sold locally in South Korea.