Turkish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Togg has entered into a strategic mass-production partnership with Chinese battery giant CATL. The deal centers on CATL’s “Bedrock” skateboard chassis, marking a significant milestone as the first time a Chinese integrated intelligent chassis is being supplied to the overseas passenger vehicle market.
Under the agreement, Togg and CAIT (Contemporary Amperex Intelligent Technology), a subsidiary of CATL, will co-develop three new models based on Togg’s B-segment platform. The first of these vehicles is scheduled to enter mass production in 2027.
A New Division of Labor in EV Development
This collaboration represents a shift in automotive engineering, decoupling the development of the vehicle’s upper body from its lower mechanical foundation.
- Togg’s Role: As Turkey’s leading domestic EV brand, Togg will focus on user experience design, defining vehicle requirements, and building the digital architecture.
- CATL’s Role: CATL provides the underlying hardware foundation through its Bedrock chassis, allowing Togg to concentrate resources on software and user-centric features rather than basic mechanical engineering.
The signing ceremony was attended by key leadership from both companies, including Togg CEO Gürcan Karakaş and CATL Co-President of Marketing Tan Libin, witnessed by Togg Chairman Fuat Tosyalı and CATL Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng.
Understanding the ‘Skateboard’ Chassis
The core of this partnership is CATL’s Integrated Intelligent Chassis (CIIC) system, often referred to as a “skateboard” chassis because it integrates all critical driving components into a single flat platform. This technology offers several technical advantages:
- Integrated Components: The system combines the battery, electric drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems into one unit.
- Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) Technology: This method integrates battery cells directly into the chassis structure, improving space efficiency and structural rigidity.
- Faster Development: By separating the upper body from the lower chassis, manufacturers can develop both components in parallel, significantly shortening the time-to-market for new models.
CATL highlights three core innovations in the Bedrock chassis: structural safety, cell safety, and high-voltage safety.
Proven Performance and Market Context
CATL’s CIIC platform has already demonstrated high performance in testing within China. Key metrics include:
* Range: Up to 1,000 km (CLTC cycle).
* Efficiency: Energy consumption of 10.5 kWh per 100 km.
* Charging Speed: Capable of adding 300 km of range in just 5 minutes.
* Pack Efficiency: A battery pack efficiency of 75%.
This move comes as CATL solidifies its dominance in the global battery market. According to CABIA data, CATL holds a 48.3% market share in power batteries this year, followed by BYD (17%) and CALB (5.9%). Data from the CPCA indicates that CATL’s share may have already surpassed 50% in the first quarter of 2026.
Challenges and Broader Strategy
While the technology is advanced, the path to widespread adoption has faced hurdles. CAIT has been developing skateboard chassis for several years, but the ecosystem is not without risks. The Neta S Wagon, produced by Chinese automaker Neta, was the first production vehicle to adopt the CIIC system in 2024. However, Neta filed for bankruptcy in 2025, highlighting the volatile nature of the EV market for smaller players.
CATL is expanding its chassis strategy beyond passenger vehicles. Through another subsidiary, Synland, CATL produces skateboard chassis for commercial vehicles. At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, robotaxi maker Pony.ai unveiled an L4 autonomous light truck built on Synland’s “Kun Speed” chassis, demonstrating the versatility of this modular approach across different vehicle segments.
About Togg
Established in 2018, Togg (Türkiye’nin Otomobili Girişim Grubu) is a joint venture founded by five Turkish automotive suppliers and a telecommunications company. It is Turkey’s first domestic EV brand. The company launched its first mass-produced model, the T10X all-electric SUV, in 2023, establishing a foothold in the local market before seeking global technological partnerships.
Conclusion: The Togg-CATL partnership signals a growing trend of modular EV development, where specialized companies handle core hardware while brands focus on software and user experience. While the technology promises efficiency and speed, the recent struggles of early adopters like Neta suggest that market viability remains a critical challenge alongside technical innovation.
