CATL, world’s largest EV battery maker, launches R&D centre in Hong Kong

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CATL’s move is a boon to Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation

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A CATL booth at a transportation fair in Germany. Photo: Bloomberg

Yujie Xue

Published: 7:10pm, 15 Oct 2024

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world’s largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), launched a research and development centre in Hong Kong, a boon to the city’s ambition to become a global innovation hub.

On Tuesday, the company said it planned to start 75 R&D projects at its new centre, which is located in the Hong Kong Science Park, the city’s IT hub. It also plans to hire 200 professionals to conduct scientific research and will work closely with local universities.

“As a key global financial, trade, and maritime centre, Hong Kong offers distinct advantages for collaborating with international tertiary institutions, attracting top talent, and building global platforms,” said Ouyang Chuying, CATL’s co-president for R&D, at the launch event in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The centre will help connect CATL with the world and allow it to harness global resources to support the development of China’s new-energy industry, he said.

The Fujian province-based battery company signed a memorandum of understanding with the government-backed Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) in December. CATL also planned to invest up to HK$1.2 billion (US$154.5 million) to promote innovation in new energy technology and sustainable development in the city, it said in December.

The memorandum of understanding said HKSTP will support CATL in exploring business development and opportunities in sectors including energy, transportation, industry and infrastructure. This will include driving green and smart manufacturing of new energy products as well as investing in and developing renewable energy.