China's CATL signs MoU with Daihatsu - yes, a compact EV is in the plans for Perodua

The compact car business is very difficult. Just ask Ford, which had terminated its Ford Fiesta one year earlier than planned. Profits are thinner than their door panels, but ever stricter emission and safety standards mean that more expensive ADAS and electrified drivetrains are needed.

If you are a compact car specialist like Daihatsu, there is no way out other than dig deeper until you find a low-cost solution.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, better known as CATL, made a joint announcement with Daihatsu Motor today they had signed a “MOU of Strategic Cooperation on battery supply and battery technologies to promote e-mobility in Japan.”

Under the agreement, CATL intends to provide stable supply of EV batteries to the electric vehicles of Daihatsu. The keyword here being stable, because the world’s battery industry is facing a very severe supply shortage, as every manufacturer doubles down on their bets with battery EVs, but few is thinking deeply enough about the supply of raw materials required.

CATL and Daihatsu said they intend to promote the application of advanced battery technologies including CTP (cell-to-pack) and battery management system (BMS).

If you are wondering if this MOU will have a direct benefit to Perodua, the answer is yes.

Although Perodua was not mentioned explicitly, the companies’ joint statement reads “With CATL's advanced batteries, Daihatsu will be able to ramp up production and performance of high-quality and affordable electric vehicles not only in Japan but also emerging markets.”

Emerging markets include Malaysia, and Daihatsu’s overseas business is limited to just Indonesia and Malaysia. So yes, there is no doubt that Perodua is part of the plan.

Also read: Daihatsu Ayla EV concept car debuts in Indonesia, Axia EV hinted?

CATL also mentioned Southeast Asia as part of the company’s expansion plans. It said:

“The partnership marks another important step for CATL's global footprint as it will enable it to explore diverse forms of cooperation in regional markets including Japan and Southeast Asia, thus promoting global drive for e-mobility transition and carbon neutrality goals.”

Perodua has confirmed that it is working on a proposal for an affordable compact battery EV model, but cautioned that the project will not materialize so soon.

As a compact car specialist, keeping cost low is imperative for Perodua. In the near-term, Perodua will be focusing on Daihatsu’s e-Smart series-hybrid technology.

300 customers have signed up for a 5-year lease of the Perodua Ativa Hybrid. Data on their usage and driving habits are being collected, and will be used to guide the development of Daihatsu’s (and Perodua’s) first production EV.

Also read: 300 units of Perodua Ativa Hybrid handed to customers; 5-year lease, only RM 500/month