Schaeffler and CATL sign MoU to co-develop battery management systems and integrated PowerBox solutions
German supplier Schaeffler and Chinese battery maker CATL are deepening their tie-up to co-develop battery management systems and integrated PowerBox solutions for European automakers.
- 2026
What Happened
Schaeffler and CATL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop automotive Battery Management Systems (BMS) and 'X-in-1' Integrated PowerBox (IPB) solutions. The agreement builds on an already secured customer project and addresses growing demand for electrification in the European market. The two companies describe it as a long-term partnership to strengthen their competitiveness in Europe and unlock further international market opportunities.
As electrification advances across Europe and regional supply chains continue to be reshaped, demand is growing for highly integrated e-mobility solutions that meet high standards of performance, safety and efficiency. Both companies see close collaboration across the industrial value chain as a key lever for bringing new energy technologies into mass production more quickly and accelerating their broader market adoption.
The partnership focuses on two strategic technology areas. Schaeffler and CATL intend to jointly develop BMS solutions tailored to the specific requirements of European automotive manufacturers, and 'X-in-1' IPB solutions that enable the close integration of high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems. Together they aim to create a foundation for high-performance, highly integrated and competitive electrification solutions.
Schaeffler offers expertise across the entire BMS value chain, including hardware and software development, system integration, functional safety, testing and validation, and localized series production in Europe. CATL contributes expertise in cell producing technology, battery system development, and high volume industrialization. The companies say their capabilities complement each other and provide a strong foundation for long-term collaboration in the European battery electrification market.
“Thanks to our established footprint in Europe, Schaeffler offers extensive expertise in local R&D, manufacturing, market entry and regulatory compliance, enabling us to deliver end-to-end support for project rollouts. Through our partnership with CATL, we aim to build a competitive product portfolio for the European market and beyond, delivering long-term value to global OEMs and Chinese automaker”
“We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Schaeffler. As a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer, CATL has long been committed to cell producing technology and has strong capabilities in product definition, battery system design and core battery algorithms. With a strong presence across Europe and extensive operational experience, we have gained deep insight into local custom”
Why this matters
European automakers are electrifying fast, and this partnership pairs Schaeffler's local European engineering and production expertise with CATL's battery know-how to deliver highly integrated components. A secured customer project is already in place, so the collaboration can move quickly from agreement to real products. It also signals how European and Chinese suppliers are working together to localize EV supply chains.
Terms in This Story
- BMS
- Battery Management System — the electronic control unit that manages a battery pack's charging, discharging, temperature and state of charge to keep it safe and efficient.
- MoU
- Memorandum of Understanding — a formal document that records an agreed intent between parties, often a precursor to legally binding contracts.
- X-in-1 Integrated PowerBox (IPB)
- A single integrated unit combining high-voltage electronics and electromechanical systems, reducing parts, weight and installation complexity in electric vehicles.
- E-mobility
- Electric mobility — refers to vehicles powered by electric motors and batteries, and the supporting systems and infrastructure.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.