CATL Business Model Canvas: Complete BMC Analysis
The CATL Business Model Canvas reveals how Contemporary Amperex Technology became the world's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer — supplying Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and dozens of global automakers. This BMC analysis examines CATL's nine building blocks.
Value Propositions in CATL's BMC
CATL's Value Propositions center on cutting-edge battery technology: high energy density cells, long-cycle-life batteries, fast-charging capability, and decreasing $/kWh costs that make EVs affordable. Innovations like the sodium-ion battery, LFP (lithium iron phosphate), and CTP (cell-to-pack) technology differentiate CATL. This technology-driven approach mirrors the innovation focus in the Tesla Business Model Canvas and NVIDIA Business Model Canvas.
Customer Segments Analysis
CATL's Customer Segments include global EV automakers (Tesla, BMW, VW, Hyundai, NIO), energy storage system operators (utilities, solar farms), commercial vehicle manufacturers, and emerging mobility companies. This B2B supply chain positioning parallels the ASML Business Model Canvas as an indispensable supplier to major manufacturers.
Key Partners and Key Resources
The Key Partners include automakers (long-term supply agreements), lithium/cobalt/nickel miners, equipment suppliers, recycling partners, and government agencies providing EV subsidies. Key Resources encompass massive battery manufacturing capacity (500+ GWh), R&D centers, patents in cell chemistry, supply chain for critical minerals, and partnerships with nearly every major automaker.
Revenue Streams and Cost Structure
CATL's Revenue Streams flow from power battery systems for EVs (~70%), energy storage systems (~25%), and battery materials/recycling. Revenue exceeds ¥400B (~$55B+). The Cost Structure includes raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese), manufacturing capex, R&D, and global expansion. Raw materials represent 60%+ of costs, creating dynamics similar to the ExxonMobil Business Model Canvas commodity exposure.
Channels and Customer Relationships
The Channels include direct B2B sales to automakers, strategic partnership agreements, JV manufacturing plants near customer factories, and energy storage system integrators. Customer Relationships leverage co-development programs, embedded engineering teams, long-term supply contracts, and joint ventures.
Key Activities in the BMC Framework
CATL's Key Activities include battery cell R&D, gigafactory manufacturing at scale, supply chain management for critical minerals, quality control, and global factory expansion (Europe, US). These capital-intensive activities parallel the ASML BMC advanced manufacturing model.
Comparing Energy & EV Business Model Canvases
Study related BMC examples: the Tesla BMC for EV integration, ASML BMC for critical supply chain positioning, BMW BMC for automotive customer, and ExxonMobil BMC for energy transition dynamics.