Schaeffler and CATL deepen cooperation on battery management systems and integrated power box solutions
Schaeffler and CATL signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop battery management systems and 'X-in-1' integrated power box solutions for the European market and beyond.
- 2026
What Happened
Schaeffler and CATL signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in electromobility. The agreement builds on an already won customer project and covers the joint development of automotive battery management systems (BMS) and 'X-in-1' Integrated PowerBox (IPB) solutions. The two companies plan to combine their technological and industrial strengths to drive innovative electrification solutions for the European market and beyond.
- Battery management systems tailored to the requirements of European automakers
- 'X-in-1' Integrated PowerBox solutions enabling tight integration of high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems
Schaeffler brings competencies along the entire BMS value chain, from hardware and software development through system integration, functional safety, testing and validation, to localized series production in Europe. CATL contributes deep expertise in cell technology, battery-system development, and industrializing large production volumes. Together they aim to create powerful, highly integrated, and competitive electrification solutions.
“Thanks to our established presence in Europe, Schaeffler has comprehensive expertise in local research and development, manufacturing, market launch, and compliance with regulatory requirements, and can therefore accompany projects holistically up to implementation. Through our partnership with CATL, we want to build a competitive product portfolio for the European market and beyond, creating long”
The agreement comes against the backdrop of progressing electrification in Europe and the realignment of regional supply chains. Demand is growing for highly integrated electromobility solutions that meet strict requirements for performance, safety, and efficiency. Close cooperation along the industrial value chain is seen as a key lever to bring new energy technologies into mass production faster and accelerate market penetration.
“We are glad to enter this strategic partnership with Schaeffler. As a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, CATL has many years of experience in cell technology, as well as strong competencies in product definition, battery system design, and core battery algorithms. With a strong presence in Europe and extensive operational experience, we have gained a deep understanding of local custome”
Why this matters
The partnership merges Schaeffler's European engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory know-how in battery management with CATL's cell and battery-system expertise. It responds to Europe's growing demand for highly integrated electrification components as regional supply chains are realigned, and aims to create competitive products for European and global automakers, including Chinese carmakers expanding internationally.
Terms in This Story
- BMS
- Battery Management System — an electronic system that monitors and manages a battery pack's performance, safety, and charging.
- Integrated PowerBox (IPB)
- A compact unit that combines high-voltage power electronics and electromechanical components in a single housing.
- X-in-1
- A design approach that integrates multiple functions, such as power electronics and converters, into one unit; the 'X' stands for a variable number of integrated components.
- MoU
- Memorandum of Understanding — a non-binding agreement outlining intended cooperation before a final contract is signed.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.