China’s EV battery leader CATL to step up use of AI in R&D, founder and chairman says

The founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) said his company plans to ramp up the use of artificial intelligence in research and take Chinese battery technology and standards further overseas, as the battery giant maps the next phase of growth.The world’s largest maker of electric vehicle (EV) batteries would step up research and development (R&D) spending and apply more AI methods to strengthen its technological edge, said billionaire Robin Zeng Yuqun at a briefing on Wednesday during China’s “two sessions” – the annual legislative meetings of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC). Zeng is a member of the CPPCC.His remarks came in response to a question about the rapid rise of China’s EVs, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products – the so-called “new three” products that now account for nearly 1.3 trillion yuan (US$188 billion) in annual exports, helping to drive foreign trade growth.Zeng highlighted the buildout of a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, stretching from upstream mining to materials, battery manufacturing, downstream applications and recycling. The strength of that supply chain, combined with a focus on indigenous innovation, had underpinned the sector’s competitiveness, he said.“We have built a resilient supply chain and ecosystem in recent years,” he said. “Looking ahead, we will increase our R&D investment, especially by applying more AI methods.”CATL would continue selling Chinese products to the world while promoting its technologies and standards globally, he added.