Gasgoo Munich- What moved the needle in the new-energy vehicle market last week?CATL Tech Day: A flood of new products from Shenxing, Qilin, Freevoy, and Naxtra linesOn April 21, CATL hosted its "Super Tech Day" launch in Beijing, unveiling a raft of new products at once: the third-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery, the third-generation Qilin battery, the Qilin condensed-state battery, the second-generation Freevoy super range-extender/hybrid battery, a new Naxtra battery, and a plan for an integrated super-swapping charging network covering all scenarios.CATL's third-generation Shenxing ultra-fast charging battery pushes charging speeds to new heights. At room temperature, charging from 10% to 98% state of charge (SOC) takes just 6 minutes and 27 seconds—equivalent to 10C and peaking at 15C, a new global record. Low-temperature performance is equally striking: at -30°C, a 20% to 98% charge takes about 9 minutes. By reducing heat generation, enhancing heat dissipation, and improving precision, CATL ensures the battery retains over 90% of its capacity after 1,000 full cycles.The third-generation Qilin battery focuses on being "lighter, stronger, and more premium," boasting an energy density of 280Wh/kg. It offers 1,000 kilometers of range with standard 10C fast charging, yet the battery pack weighs only 625kg. Compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) vehicles in the same class with 1,000-kilometer range, it sheds 255kg and saves 112 liters of space.The Qilin condensed-state battery brings aviation-grade condensed-state technology to passenger vehicles for the first time. With a cell energy density of 350Wh/kg—a record for mass-produced batteries—it has already completed maiden flight verification on a 4-ton commercial aircraft. Volumetric energy density reaches 760Wh/L, enabling a range of 1,500 kilometers for sedans and breaking the 1,000-kilometer barrier for full-size SUVs. On safety, the condensed-state electrolyte eliminates risks at the source, achieving "no liquid to leak and no liquid to burn."The second-generation Freevoy super range-extender/hybrid battery extends pure electric range to 600 kilometers. The LFP version offers 500km, while the NCM version hits 600km; both come standard with 10C fast charging. Its proprietary "super hybrid system" blends ternary and LFP materials at the particle level, achieving an energy density of 230Wh/kg.The new Naxtra battery signals the shift from technological breakthrough to mass production. This year, CATL overcame four major challenges: extreme water control, hard carbon gas generation, aluminum foil bonding, and the scaling of self-generated anodes. Mass production is slated for the end of 2026.Gasgoo Commentary: On the power battery track, CATL's technology remains formidable.Changan to integrate DEEPAL and AVATR by year-endOn April 21, at a briefing following Changan Automobile Group's global strategy launch, Zhu Huarong, Party Secretary and Chairman of Changan Automobile, announced a strategic integration of its two new-energy brands, AVATR and DEEPAL. The full integration is expected to be completed by the end of this year.According to Zhu, AVATR and DEEPAL will remain independent at the front end but synergize in the mid-to-back end, preserving independent brand operations. The aim is to build a mid-to-high-end brand group surpassing 1.5 million units globally, with overseas sales accounting for over 40%. Furthermore, the integration will create a "mid-to-high-end brand cluster," boosting efficiency to achieve cost reduction and synergy.Zhu's high hopes for AVATR and DEEPAL stem from the urgency of future competition in the auto industry. He stated that an automaker needs annual sales of 8 million to 10 million units to truly thrive; 5 million to 7 million units to get by; and 3 million to 3.5 million units is merely the survival line."By 2030, Changan Automobile's global sales must guarantee 4 million units and strive for 5 million, with new-energy vehicles accounting for over 60%. Specifically, AVATR and DEEPAL have annual sales targets of 500,000 and 1 million units respectively, while the Changan brand targets 2.6 million," Zhu emphasized.Gasgoo Commentary: The strategic integration of AVATR and DEEPAL marks a critical upgrade in Changan Automobile's layout on the new-energy track, officially launching a strategic transformation focused on efficiency, resource aggregation, and synergistic breakthroughs.Geely's 2030 Overseas Strategy: Launching over 10 new-energy vehicle modelsOn April 21, at the 2026 International Business Partner Conference, Geely Automobile outlined its overseas market strategy, setting core goals for 2030: launch over 10 new-energy vehicle models abroad, ensure overseas sales account for more than one-third of total volume, achieve a 5% market share, and establish a brand perception of technological leadership in overseas markets.Image source: Yang XueliangThe 2030 overseas strategy is built on a clear market foundation and development background. Geely's overall sales target for 2026 is 3.45 million units, with an export target of 640,000 units—a 52% increase from the 420,000 overseas units projected for 2025. Internally, the latest target for 2026 overseas sales has been set at 750,000 units, exceeding 1 million the following year.To support this overseas strategy, Geely has previously identified three key focus areas. First, treating Southeast Asia as a strategic hub, using the Malaysia AHTV Industrial Park as a bridgehead to build an integrated "R&D-production-sales-service" park with an annual capacity of 500,000 units. This aims to fully radiate into the ASEAN market and solidify the regional foundation.Second, focusing on developed markets like Europe and the U.S., Geely will adhere to a premium breakthrough strategy. Leveraging Volvo's mature channel advantages and Renault's layout in South America, the company aims to drive scaled development in developed markets.Third, practicing a diversified and open innovation model for going global. By blending paths such as product export, brand globalization, resource integration, and technology empowerment, Geely will build localized operational systems in key overseas markets, helping the company leap from "Made in China" to a global brand.Geely has announced an overall goal of exceeding 6.5 million global sales by 2030, with new-energy vehicles accounting for about 75%. Currently, Geely's overseas business has entered a period of rapid development, with overseas sales exceeding 203,000 units in the first quarter of 2026, a 126% year-on-year increase.Gasgoo Commentary: Geely, already thriving at home, is now set to blossom overseas.Li L9 Livis debuts at Auto China 2026On April 24, Li Auto's embodied AI flagship SUV—the all-new Li L9 Livis—made its global debut at the Auto China 2026. It is scheduled for official market launch and delivery start on May 15.Image Li AutoThe Li Auto L9 Livis measures 5,255mm in length, 2,000mm in width, and 1,810mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125mm. It maintains the "golden dimensions" of a full-size flagship while preserving urban maneuverability. By shortening the front overhang and extending the rear, combined with a taller hood, a larger bumper, and a wide-shouldered trapezoidal tail design, plus 22-inch wheels, the L9 Livis projects a more commanding presence.In exterior details, the Li L9 Livis features unique crystal gray chrome trim—costing five times that of traditional trim—to deliver a luxury texture. A unique "diamond ridge" runs from the A-pillar to the D-pillar, offering high recognizability. The L9 Livis adheres to a subtractive design philosophy, replacing ultrasonic radar with more advanced UWB radar and eliminating 12 sensor openings across the body for a flawless surface design.Simultaneously, the Li L9 Livis is equipped with an 800V active suspension developed specifically for full-size SUVs, and a full steer-by-wire chassis encompassing steer-by-wire steering, rear-wheel steering, and steer-by-wire mechanical braking. This setup aims to break the industry convention that full-size SUVs cannot balance both comfort and handling.The new model will also feature a 5C range-extender system, the world's first "complete" steer-by-wire chassis, two Mach 100 chips with a total computing power of 2,560 TOPS, and a new-generation interior and smart cockpit. Specific product capabilities will be officially revealed at the launch event on May 15.Gasgoo Commentary: After four years of renewal, the full product strength of the all-new Li Auto L9 Livis is worth anticipating.Chery Automobile and CATL build a new "super-swapping integrated" energy ecosystemOn April 25, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Chery Automobile"), Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (hereinafter "CATL"), Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd. (hereinafter "CAES"), and Chery Green Energy Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Chery Green Energy") signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing. The parties will comprehensively deepen strategic energy cooperation, focusing on areas such as the layout of a super-swapping shared network and the co-construction of a green energy ecosystem, jointly driving the high-quality development of the new-energy industry.Image source: CATLAccording to the agreement, the parties will integrate their technological, industrial, and ecological resources to collaboratively build a digitalized zero-carbon charging and swapping network, providing global users with a convenient experience that supports both charging and swapping. Chery Automobile will develop models compatible with swappable batteries and swapping networks; CATL and its subsidiary CATL Service will be responsible for the development, iteration, and supply assurance of swappable batteries; and Chery Green Energy will provide full-scenario green energy solutions to comprehensively enhance the user experience.This collaboration will also push "vehicle-energy integration" toward large-scale implementation, promoting green and low-carbon development in the transportation sector through green technological innovation and ecological co-construction, helping to achieve "dual carbon" goals.Gasgoo Commentary: Chery and CATL are joining forces to layout a "battery swapping + energy ecosystem," connecting the closed loop of vehicle, electricity, and grid, opening a new path of charge-and-swap compatibility and green synergy for the new-energy replenishment system.