Contemporary Amperex Technology (), China's largest automotive lithium-ion battery maker, and Mercedes-Benz today announced that they are strengthening their partnership in the field of battery technology.

The Mercedes-Benz electric luxury sedan EQS with CATL battery modules will be launched next year with a WLTP range of more than 700 km.

Mercedes said, "CATL will be a leading supplier to Mercedes-Benz, guaranteeing the battery supply for the next generation of EQ products for years to come."

The battery system is highly complex, with the core of the battery cell, and its chemical system has a critical impact on the performance, range, and service life of the EV.

By deepening its strategic partnership with CATL, Mercedes-Benz hopes to advance its development and application of current and future lithium-ion technologies.

The two companies have already begun work on the development of next-generation batteries, the results of which will be used in the models to be launched in the coming years.

Both parties have set clear development goals, including shortening the development cycle, significantly increasing the range by increasing the energy density of the battery and reducing charging time.

In order to increase the competitiveness of electric vehicles in the premium market, the two parties have also set high targets: the EQS pure-electric luxury sedan with CATL battery modules will be launched in 2021. It will have a range of more than 700 km (WLTP standard) and double the charging speed of existing models.