KATHMANDU: BMW Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with CATL to strengthen cooperation on electric vehicle batteries and reduce the carbon footprint across the EV battery supply chain.
The agreement was signed during a visit to China by BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse, who accompanied Friedrich Merz. The partnership focuses on battery supply chain decarbonization and broader collaboration on sustainable development.
BMW said China remains a key market in its global strategy under its “In China, for China, and with China” approach. The company has invested more than 120 billion yuan in its production base in Shenyang and established four R&D and innovation centers along with three software companies in the country.
Next-gen BMW iX3 to debut in Beijing
As part of its product roadmap, BMW confirmed that the next-generation long-wheelbase version of the BMW iX3 will make its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April. The model will be the first domestically produced vehicle based on BMW’s next-generation electric platform.
BMW said the vehicle’s core digital experience and software functions were jointly developed by global and Chinese R&D teams to better meet the needs of Chinese consumers.
Battery cooperation between BMW and CATL has been expanding in recent years. In 2024, CATL announced it would begin supplying cylindrical batteries for BMW’s next-generation EV platform globally and in China starting in 2026.
The partnership builds on a long-term supply agreement signed in 2022, under which CATL committed to providing cylindrical battery cells for BMW’s next-generation electric vehicles beginning in 2025.
BMW has also expanded partnerships with Chinese technology companies to support its electric and digital vehicle development. The automaker is working with firms including Momenta, Alibaba, and Huawei on various technology and mobility solutions, according to Chinese media reports.
