Summary
- CATL has launched the CATL Bedrock Chassis, a skateboard chassis that can withstand 120 km/h frontal impacts
- The chassis can absorb 85% of collision energy compared to traditional chassis
- It offers scalable software and hardware architecture for flexible configurations in different vehicle models
- The chassis has a three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise-shell structure to protect the energy unit
- CATL states that the technology enhances utilization of chassis space and supports intelligent driving capabilities
Article
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has introduced a new skateboard chassis called the CATL Bedrock Chassis, designed to withstand frontal impacts at speeds of up to 120 km/h without catching fire or exploding. The battery-centered design integrates the battery cells directly into the chassis, providing a shared structural design that is able to absorb 85% of the vehicle’s collision energy compared to the traditional chassis, which absorbs around 60%.
The Bedrock Chassis features three core characteristics: internal integration, decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, and external openness. By offering a scalable software and hardware architecture with standardized interfaces, it allows for flexible configurations for different vehicle models and scenarios. This concept enables the creation of a single chassis architecture that can be used for multiple vehicle models, improving development efficiency and shortening the R&D cycle.
In safety tests conducted using the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP), the standard speed for frontal impacts is 56 km/h. At this speed, the collision energy generated is equivalent to falling from a 12-meter-high building. In comparison, a frontal impact at 120 km/h results in collision energy that is 4.6 times higher than that of a collision at 56 km/h. This highlights the importance of developing chassis technology that can withstand higher impact speeds.
The CATL Bedrock Chassis introduces a three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise-shell structure, integrating the body and energy unit framework to protect the energy unit. It utilizes aircraft carrier-grade arresting structures to disperse impact forces across multiple pathways during a crash, significantly reducing the depth and speed at which obstacles intrude the cabin. The chassis is made from submarine-grade hot-formed steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, enhancing its rigidity.
In the event of a collision, the Bedrock Chassis is designed to instantly disconnect its high-voltage circuit within 0.01 seconds and complete the discharge of residual high-voltage energy in the vehicle within 0.2 seconds. The battery cells have undergone various tests, including high-speed sled impact tests at 60 km/h, 90-degree bending tests, and sawing tests. Additionally, the fourth-generation Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology and inverted battery cell technology enhance the chassis’s utilization of space and reduce the risk of scraping.
CATL has stated that the Bedrock Chassis supports intelligent driving capabilities ranging from Level 3 to Level 4. With mechanical decoupling, software decoupling, and EE decoupling features, the chassis is equipped to enable advanced autonomous driving functions. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative design features, the CATL Bedrock Chassis represents a significant advancement in vehicle safety and performance.
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