The world’s largest battery-maker CATL has signed a strategic partnership with Geely and Baidu-backed electric-vehicle maker Jiyue on promoting joint research and development (R&D) of new-energy vehicle (NEV) products and mass production, according to a news report published by CnEVPost on October 23.

The report cited a press note issued by CATL on October 23.

CATL is supplying high-performance power batteries and associated services for Jiyue’s EV — the Jiyue 01, it said, adding that CATL plans to continue providing the support to Jiyue in the form of R&D projects and technology partnerships, and the supply of Shenxing ultrafast-charging batteries.

It is known that Jiyue, formerly named Jidu, was formed as a joint venture between Geely and Baidu in March 2021. While Baidu holds a 55% stake in Jiyue, Geely holds the remaining 45% stake in the JV carmaker.

The Jiyue 01, the JV’s first car, is built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). The first production vehicles of the Jiyue 01 model were rolled off the production line on September 19 at Geely's plant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, the report mentioned, adding that the company made the model available for presale with a starting price tag of $35,520.

The Jiyue 01 model, a midsize electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), is powered by CATL’s Shenxing battery, which is based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The battery, which was first unveiled by CATL in August, offers ultrafast-charging capabilities.

According to the news report, the Jiyue 01 is slated to officially go on sale on October 27.