By Greg Gao

CATL, the biggest lithium-ion battery manufacturer for EVs in the world, announced on May 25 that it reached an agreement with European bus manufacturer Solaris to supply lithium iron phosphate batteries with CTP (Cell-to-Pack) technology for Solaris’ buses. 

The two parties will jointly facilitate the electrification of urban transportation in Europe, promote the electrification of buses, contributing to reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in Europe, according to CATL’s announcement.

With its features of long life and high thermal stability of CATL’s lithium iron phosphate battery system, Solaris’ electric buses will show significant advantages in terms of safety and temperature environmental adaptability. CATL’s pioneering CTP technology can improve the battery energy density and the payload of electric buses, and contribute to sustainable urban transportation, according to the company.

Established in 1999, Solaris Bus & Coach is a Polish producer of public transport vehicles (buses, trolleybuses and trams). Solaris has built more than 22,000 vehicles, serving hundreds of cities across Europe. In 2021, Solaris ranked No. 1 in the European zero-emission bus market. The collaboration with CATL will help Solaris further expand its product portfolio with new battery solutions.

The Chinese battery giant CATL is optimistic about the future of electric vehicles. At the 2022 World Economic Forum annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, Ni Jun, the chief manufacturing officer of CATL, said: “According to the electric vehicle promotion plans announced by governments around the world, by 2030, or 2035 at the latest, there will be no more new internal combustion engine vehicles for sale in the auto market, electric vehicles are experiencing a rise in popularity across the globe. ” Many world-renowned legacy carmakers including Jaguar, Nissan, General Motors and Mercedes say they will phase out traditional fuel cars and go all electric in the future.