CBAK Energy Engages FAW, one of China’s largest EV makers, in Strategic Talks on New EV Battery Model 46950
- New Model 46950 offers up to 65.64% higher energy density than current Model 32140
- Model 46950 features 4C fast charging, double the speed of current 2C capability
- Strategic engagement with FAW, one of China's largest EV manufacturers, signals potential market expansion
- Two variants (NCM and hybrid LMFP/NCM) provide flexibility for different EV applications
- Model 46950 is still in laboratory testing phase and won't launch until next year
- No firm commitment or agreement has been reached with FAW yet
- Re-entering EV market implies previous exit, suggesting past challenges in this segment
Insights
CBAK's new 46950 battery cells offer significant energy density improvements and faster charging for EV applications, positioning them for market re-entry.
CBAK Energy's strategic discussions with FAW Group reveal a calculated approach to re-enter the EV battery market with their advanced Model 46950 cells. The technical specifications of these cells are particularly noteworthy. The two variants—utilizing either NCM chemistry or a hybrid LMFP/NCM approach—deliver
Even more impressive is the 4C fast charging capability, doubling the current 2C rate of their flagship cell. For consumers, this means potentially cutting charging times in half—a major competitive advantage in the EV space where charging speed remains a primary adoption barrier.
The 46950 form factor builds upon the cylindrical 4680 design that has gained industry traction, but with slight dimensional modifications that likely optimize the energy-to-volume ratio. The dual chemistry approach is particularly strategic—offering vehicle manufacturers options that balance cost, performance, and supply chain considerations. The NCM variant likely targets premium vehicle segments requiring maximum range, while the LMFP/NCM hybrid probably provides a more cost-effective solution with improved thermal stability.
With these specifications, CBAK appears well-positioned to compete in the evolving EV battery market, though success will ultimately depend on production yields, quality control, and cost effectiveness once mass production begins next year.
The engagement between CBAK Energy and FAW Group represents a strategic positioning move in China's competitive EV battery landscape. FAW isn't just any potential customer—it's one of China's "Big Four" state-owned automotive manufacturers with significant EV production capacity and ambitious electrification plans. This preliminary discussion signals CBAK's intent to secure high-volume contracts as they prepare to launch their new battery model.
What's particularly significant is CBAK's explicit statement about "re-entering" the EV battery market. This indicates they previously exited or deprioritized this segment, likely focusing on other applications like energy storage. The timing of this market re-entry attempt is noteworthy, as China's EV market has matured considerably and competition among battery suppliers has intensified.
The fact that senior R&D personnel led this engagement suggests technical specifications and performance validation will be critical factors in any potential partnership. FAW would require extensive testing and validation cycles before adopting a new battery supplier or technology—a process that typically takes 12-18 months in the automotive industry.
While promising, investors should recognize that such preliminary discussions are common in the industry and represent just the first step in a lengthy qualification process. The reference to "reestablishing connections with former partners" suggests CBAK may have previously supplied FAW, which could potentially accelerate the validation timeline if there's existing trust and familiarity between the organizations. However, mass production timelines for 2026 indicate any material revenue impact would not be realized in the immediate term.
DALIAN, China, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) ("CBAK Energy" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and a provider of comprehensive electric energy solutions in China, today announced that members of its Research & Development and Sales teams recently visited China First Automotive Works (FAW) Group Co., Ltd. at the company’s headquarters in Changchun, Jilin Province.
The delegation was led by Mr. Suijun Shang, Principal of the Academy of Research & Development at CBAK Energy, and included senior managers from the Sales Department. They were received by the Principal of FAW’s own Academy of Research & Development. During the meeting, both parties exchanged insights on potential collaboration opportunities, including the prospective supply of CBAK Energy’s upcoming Model 46950 cell, which shares key design characteristics with the widely recognized Model 46800.
CBAK Energy’s Series 46 production line includes two variants of the Model 46950, utilizing either NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) chemistry or a hybrid of LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) and NCM. Specifically engineered for electric vehicle (EV) applications, these advanced cells deliver an energy density approximately
These innovative products are currently undergoing laboratory testing and are expected to be officially launched next year. With the introduction of the Model 46950, CBAK Energy is positioning itself to re-enter the EV battery market.
Zhiguang Hu, Chief Executive Officer of CBAK Energy, stated: “We are pleased to have engaged in meaningful discussions with FAW, one of China’s leading EV manufacturers. Reestablishing connections with former partners, especially with the forthcoming Model 46950, signals our strategic intention to return to the EV market. We anticipate that this type of industry dialogue will become increasingly frequent as we move closer to announcing the mass production of the Model 46950.”
About CBAK Energy
CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) is a leading high-tech enterprise in China engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium batteries and raw materials for use in manufacturing high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company's products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian, Nanjing and Shaoxing, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.
For more information, please visit ir.cbak.com.cn.
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FAQ
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