CATL and VinFast announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, expanding their current battery supply agreement to include collaboration on skateboard chassis products.
According to a press release the two companies will “explore various forms of cooperation on CIIC [CATL integrated intelligent chassis] skateboard chassis on top of the current cooperation on CTP (cell-to-pack) battery supply between the two companies.”
The CIIC skateboard chassis lowers the purchasing cost and energy consumption of an EV while maximizing cabin space. It is able to achieve this by integrating battery packs, electric motors, and other critical units into a single layer at the bottom of the vehicle.
Along with collaboration on the CIIC, the two companies will also work together in “other areas” to promote “battery innovation and e-mobility transition.”
VinFast is getting closer to launching their first two electric vehicles (EVs) in North America.
The Vietnamese automaker has already started production of the VF8 electric SUV for Canada and the US, and plans to deliver the first units before the end of the year. The larger VF9 is expected later in 2023.
Ahead of its launch, Drive Tesla reported exclusively that VinFast quietly increased the prices of both vehicles, as well as their battery subscription costs. The price changes went unannounced, but when reached for comments VinFast told us they were due to “increased material costs.”
