CATL, the world’s largest automotive battery maker, has opened a supersize EV pavilion in Chengdu displaying almost 100 cars that use its batteries.
The complex, named NING Space, is the first such experience centre in the world and is designed to give consumers all they need to make the right choice when buying an electric car, which CATL are calling “view, select, use, and learn”.
Despite China’s huge successes in converting customers to electrified mobility, CATL clearly still believes there’s room to educate consumers and show them the benefits of going electric and the environmental benefits it entails.
With a total footprint of 13,000m2, it features cars from almost 50 brands and includes both full EVs, and plug-in and extended range hybrids as well.
But sales are not the only thing on the agenda with the NING Space also serving as a kind of museum to electric mobility history, showcasing the latest technology and innovations as well as science workshops for the younger generation to learn about green energies.
In parallel with the launch of the NING Space, CATL also announced the launch of an after sales brand, NING Service, which will consist of 112 professional service stations to offer valuable EV services such as battery maintenance and health checks, as well as mobile rescue.
Opinion:
Could this be the start of a new trend where battery makers get more involved in the sales process of EVs? It’s hard to imagine that.
CATL are the largest car battery manufacturer by far so they have the resources and portfolio to do something like this, but it’s nevertheless interesting to see the heightened profile of battery manufacturers in this new EV era.
They even have stands of their own in the main halls at auto shows.
Certainly it could be beneficial to offer such super facilities to bring in consumers who are on the fence about EVs, as is the case in many countries around the world, and would be a far more enticing prospect than touring an industrial park.
