Chinese battery giant CATL and technology giant Baidu have formed a strategic partnership to collaborate on autonomous driving, AI applications, and digitalization, the companies said in a joint statement.
The agreement, signed at CATL’s headquarters in Ningde, Fujian province, aims to integrate CATL’s battery and vehicle platform technologies with Baidu’s AI expertise to develop autonomous mobility solutions. Baidu founder and CEO Robin Li and CATL chairman Robin Zeng attended the signing ceremony, which was executed by senior executives from both firms.
See also: Baidu’s Apollo Go Granted First Robotaxi Test License in Hong Kong
Under the deal, the companies will explore the use of CATL’s power batteries, battery swap systems, and skateboard chassis in self-driving vehicles. “We will work together to develop competitive autonomous vehicle products and innovative business models to enhance mobility services,” CATL said in the statement.
Baidu’s role will focus on integrating AI-driven digital solutions at various levels, from chips to application platforms, to support CATL’s technological advancements. The partnership marks the first formal collaboration between the two firms in the autonomous vehicle sector.
CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, accounted for 37.9% of global power battery installations in 2024, according to SNE Research. Meanwhile, Baidu has been a leader in China’s smart driving industry since launching its self-driving unit Apollo in 2013.
See also: CATL Unveils Innovative EV Chassis with 621-Mile Range, Targets Simplified Manufacturing
Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, operates in over 10 Chinese cities and began testing in Hong Kong last year. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Apollo Go completed approximately 1.1 million trips, a 36% increase year-on-year. The service surpassed 9 million cumulative rides by January.
Baidu CEO Robin Li recently told investors that Apollo Go’s fleet and ride volume would grow at an “unprecedented rate” in 2025, supported by new partnerships with mobility providers and fleet operators.