CATL Secures Two New Patents for Stronger EV Battery Crash Protection
China (ANTARA) - CATL has secured two new patents on 16 June 2026 focused on electric vehicle battery safety, aiming to strengthen the battery pack structure to withstand impacts during accidents. According to a Carnewschina report on Thursday (18/6) local time, the new design ensures the electrical system and thermal management inside the battery remain protected even if the battery casing deforms due to a collision.
The expansion of the intellectual property portfolio stems from the company’s research allocation of 22.147 billion yuan (Rp58.38 trillion) spent throughout 2025. This sustained investment has increased the company’s total historical patent portfolio to 25,046 patents. The research and development push supports the direct optimisation of liquid electrolyte battery infrastructure, as detailed in an analysis of solid-state battery development competition.
By maintaining a shorter clearance distance compared to surrounding busbars, the support component will be the first to receive structural deformation during an impact. A busbar is a conductor bar or rail that collects and distributes electric current from one point to another. This layout protects sensitive connection points, prevents terminal breakage, and eliminates the risk of serious internal short circuits. The engineering design provides direct physical reinforcement for mass-market vehicle platforms.
Meanwhile, the second invention patent focuses on local protection for integrated liquid cooling channels by adding multi-zone heat exchange barriers. A flexible support structure covers the active cooling path, whilst rigid protective barriers are placed in areas without fluid flow. This design directs external deformation towards areas with solid structures, preventing rupture of the fluid channels and separating the cooling circuit from the electrical hardware.
This structural protection mechanism disperses the impact of projectiles or objects striking locally across the entire lower surface of the battery casing. The hardware distribution ensures basic thermal operations continue normally during impacts from external road debris. These physical safety enhancements align with strict local national regulatory policies mandating fire-free control systems in severe vehicle accidents.
Previous analysis regarding the reality of solid-state batteries indicates that mass adoption of next-generation solid-state battery architecture remains limited until production volumes increase significantly. Consequently, companies must maximise the resilience of currently used liquid electrolyte battery packs before 2030. This regulatory climate makes breakthroughs in physical control critically important for existing vehicle platforms. By prioritising structural defence systems over software updates, the company seeks to meet current consumer safety standards.
According to monthly registration data from China EV DataTracker, CATL recorded battery installations of 33.08 GWh in May, equivalent to a domestic market share of 46.7 percent. This data shows CATL widening its lead over its closest domestic competitors, with BYD in second place at 11.87 GWh. Other domestic manufacturers, Gotion High-tech and Calb, followed with installation volumes of 4.44 GWh and 4.31 GWh respectively.