In response to persistent industry rumors about Li Auto “moving away from reliance on CATL,” Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, clarified that the company’s pursuit of self-developed battery technology is not intended to “reduce dependence on any specific supplier” or oppose partnerships. Instead, he expressed sincere gratitude for CATL’s crucial contributions to Li Auto’s growth and success. Li Xiang elaborated on the three main drivers behind Li Auto’s focus on in-house battery research and development:

• First, to address unmet user needs and achieve industry-leading performance in key battery metrics, including driving range, charging efficiency, reliability in extreme conditions, and overall safety.
• Second, to achieve deeper integration between the battery system and vehicle architecture, enhancing the driving experience through system-level optimization and enabling seamless support for future over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
• Third, to establish a comprehensive, end-to-end battery lifecycle data management system. Through Li Auto’s proprietary Lianshan platform, every battery cell can be fully tracked, allowing for proactive risk identification, standardized service protocols, and ultimately, cost savings for end users.