CATL is making a move that could significantly reshape the EV market. The Chinese giant, long known as the world's largest battery supplier, is now moving beyond batteries and starting to export complete vehicle platforms from China. On April 29 in Ningde, CATL and Turkish automaker Togg signed an agreement to jointly develop three B-segment electric models.

CATL's subsidiary CAIT, which handles chassis development, is leading the project on the company's side. The first vehicle is scheduled for mass production in 2027, with sales planned in Turkey, Europe, and other markets. The key element of the deal is the Bedrock Chassis platform, also known as CIIC. This is not just a skateboard with a battery.

CATL integrates the battery directly into the car's structural frame using a cell-to-chassis design. The unit includes the battery, electric motor, thermal management, and chassis control electronics. For Togg, this means huge savings in time and money. The Turkish brand can develop the body, interior, digital architecture, user interface, and brand identity without having to build the most expensive part of an EV from scratch.

In essence, CATL provides a ready-made foundation on which to build a vehicle faster. This approach changes the very concept of an automaker. Previously, a brand had to control the platform, engine, battery, and running gear. Now, a young company can buy a nearly complete technical base and focus on design, software, and customer experience.

Togg is a perfect fit for this. Founded in 2018, the company already produces the electric SUV T10X at its Gemlik plant. That model became Turkey's best-selling EV, and since late 2024, Togg has started deliveries to Germany. Now, Togg wants to enter Europe's hottest segment: affordable compact electric cars.

Competition will be fierce. Togg's new models will have to take on the Renault 5, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, Hyundai Inster, BYD Dolphin Surf, and upcoming Leapmotor compacts. But the Turkish brand has a strong ace: CATL's Chinese technology base and the ability to accelerate development. For Europe, this deal is also significant.

Stellantis is already preparing to produce Leapmotor at its own factories, Renault developed the new Twingo with help from Chinese R&D, and Volkswagen is also seeking ways to work with Chinese partners. Now Togg enters the game with a Turkish brand but a Chinese chassis.

CATL is no longer just a battery supplier. It is becoming a supplier of nearly complete vehicles without the bodywork and badge. And if this model works, in the coming years we'll see more brands that differ in design and software but share the same Chinese technical foundation.