GUIYANG/YIBIN, November 19 - In a significant milestone for China's battery logistics sector, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) held its inaugural railway transport ceremony for power lithium batteries simultaneously in Guiyang and Yibin on the morning of November 19. A train laden with CATL's products embarked on its journey to Shanghai. Industry insiders, speaking to Securities
From SECURITIESDAILY
GUIYANG/YIBIN, November 19 - In a significant milestone for China's battery logistics sector, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) held its inaugural railway transport ceremony for power lithium batteries simultaneously in Guiyang and Yibin on the morning of November 19. A train laden with CATL's products embarked on its journey to Shanghai. Industry insiders, speaking to Securities Daily, have confirmed that this marks the first-ever successful railway transport of power lithium batteries by CATL, achieving a remarkable "zero breakthrough" in China's battery rail logistics.
This event represents a substantial leap forward in resolving the key bottlenecks associated with transporting power lithium batteries and ensuring the safety and stability of supply chains within the burgeoning new energy vehicle and battery industries.
As the demand for power batteries continues to soar, so does the need for efficient transportation. It is estimated that approximately 9.45 million tons of power lithium batteries were transported in 2023. The rapid growth in this sector has presented challenges in guaranteeing safe, efficient, and swift logistics services. Currently, domestic transportation of power lithium batteries predominantly relies on roadways, while exports are mainly facilitated by maritime shipping. Air freight plays a minimal role, and rail transport has hitherto been in the experimental stage.
CATL's success as one of the pioneer pilot enterprises selected by China National Railway Group can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to continuous technological innovation. The company has been focused on enhancing product performance, with a particular emphasis on safety, to meet the stringent requirements of railway transportation.
CATL has engineered an effective safety system that encompasses materials, structure, and battery management, ensuring a high level of security during railway transport.
Industry experts are of the view that with the official inauguration of the "railway era" for power lithium batteries, a safer and more efficient logistics system is on the horizon. This development is likely to attract a greater number of supporting industry chain companies to Guiyang and Yibin, spurring regional industrial integration and fostering the creation of a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.
With the further promotion of this railway transport model for power lithium batteries, especially through initiatives such as China-Europe freight trains, large-scale and stable exports are anticipated. However, this mode of transportation will also impose higher standards on the overall industry. Companies that take the lead in obtaining the "train tickets" for extensive rail operations could potentially gain a cost advantage, positioning them favorably to capture a larger market share.