Rebirth 99 to become a car giant.

Chapter 476: The battle over new energy strategies and the battle over routes
BMW moves quickly.

Phillips briefly communicated with the headquarters and prepared to go to Nanshan Battery to inspect it in person.

Based on this inspection situation, the next step will be to arrange technical experts from the headquarters to come over for inspection and exchange.

If Nanshan Battery can really meet the needs of BMW's electric vehicle development plan, then it will formally cooperate with Nanshan Battery.

When he received the news that BMW was coming to inspect, Lin Cheng was a little surprised and immediately came to Cao Yang's office to report in person.

"Mr. Cao, Nanshan Battery has not supplied batteries to any other manufacturer so far. Now BMW has suddenly shown interest in us. Could this be because they want to take this opportunity to understand our technical level?"

"After all, the draft for consultation on electric vehicle subsidies released by Yangcheng City has caused a relatively large response in the automobile industry. Many people are speculating why Yangcheng City has set the cruising range of electric vehicles to 400 kilometers."

"As long as we know more about the situation in Yangcheng, we will inevitably focus on our Nanshan battery."

"After all, Yangcheng has set this standard, and others know that it cannot be set inexplicably."

Although Lin Cheng politely agreed to BMW's visit, it would definitely be a lie to say that he didn't have any worries or doubts in his heart.

After all, the relationship between BMW and Nanshan Group has not been good in the past few years. Even if it eases this year, it will inevitably make people have some thoughts.

“BMW cars move that fast?”

After listening to Lin Cheng's words, Cao Yang immediately started thinking about the development information of BMW electric vehicles in his mind.

In 1972, at the Munich Olympics, BMW exhibited two 1602 Elektro-Antrieb electric cars.

In 2010, BMW MINI E was officially launched.

In 2013, the BMW i3 was also officially launched.

It can be said that among mainstream car brands, BMW’s pace of electrification is not slow.

Even among luxury car companies, BMW has the fastest pace of electrification.

At this point in time, their MINI E has begun road testing in Europe.

However, the battery life of this electric car should only be 160 kilometers, which is still relatively weak in future generations.

Now that we see that there is hope to extend the range of electric vehicles to 400 kilometers, whether it is true or not, BMW should be really interested in learning about it.

Although Lin Cheng's analysis is not completely unreasonable, it cannot be ruled out that the other party's inspection was for the purpose of understanding the strength of Nanshan Battery.

But if you want to provide customers with batteries, if you can't let them know your capabilities, how can they decide to use you?
Historically, BMW should be the first foreign automobile giant to use batteries produced by Chinese battery manufacturers, right?

CATL (Ning/De/Shi/dai, Ningwang, no additional remarks will be made in the future), which had no previous experience in supplying electric vehicle batteries, relied on the supporting opportunities provided by BMW to successfully enter the new track. In the end, by virtue of the opportunity to supply BMW, we successfully obtained supply opportunities from a series of other OEMs.

Whether you admit it or not, supply performance to luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz is very important to suppliers.

This can effectively promote them to obtain new orders from other OEMs.

Especially on some new energy parts, this demonstration effect is even more obvious.

Why do many suppliers in future generations still supply Tesla at the expense of losing money?
It's not just because of this supply opportunity that it can bring them more orders.

Even if Tesla loses money, there is still a chance to make it back with other customers.

Not to mention that for listed auto parts companies, obtaining orders from Tesla is often good news that increases stock prices.

The amount of loss on the order has long been earned back in the stock price.

This is also an important reason why Tesla can continue to cut prices and maintain a good rate of return.

"Mr. Cao, the BMW cars are indeed moving a bit fast, and their motives are a bit questionable, but I think they still need to be received, otherwise it would be a pity to just give up."

Just when Cao Yang was thinking about something, Lin Cheng quickly added his thoughts.

If Cao Yang is really affected by his analysis and directly refuses BMW's visit, it will probably be a loss to Nanshan Battery.

Anyway, the outside world will soon have some understanding of the technical level of Nanshan Battery.

It is impossible to learn the core technology of Nanshan Battery in a simple visit.

In particular, most of the production equipment used by Nanshan Batteries is specially customized by Nanshan Equipment and cannot be purchased outside.

This makes it even more difficult for competitors to copy technology.

"You must receive a reception, and you must receive it sincerely and well."

"At that time, I will also free up time to meet with people from BMW China in person to see if we can reach some more extensive cooperation."

Although Xingchen Motors' sales in China this year have surpassed BMW's, it is obviously unrealistic to completely crush BMW.

The saying of driving a BMW and riding a Mercedes-Benz has become deeply rooted in people's hearts.

Nanshan Battery can definitely borrow this kind of brand influence.

By then, if Nanshan Battery obtains an order from BMW and has supply performance to Xingchen Motors, Yangcheng Trumpchi and other car companies, it will be much easier to obtain further orders from other car companies.

After all, at this time, the world's automotive battery suppliers are still relatively weak. As long as Nanshan Battery makes a slight push forward, it can take the world's No. [-] throne.

"Mr. Cao, do you also want to participate in this BMW tour?"

Cao Yang's decision made Lin Cheng feel a little surprised. In the past few years, when ordinary OEMs came to inspect, Cao Yang would only meet at the beginning and end, and the number of accompanying visits was very rare.

Unless someone of the same level as the global president of BMW Motors comes to visit, it is possible for Cao Yang to accompany him throughout the whole process.

Now that the boss of BMW China came over, Cao Yang also took the initiative to participate in the reception, which made Lin Cheng feel a different atmosphere.

"BMW is paying more attention to electric vehicles now. They should have plans to introduce electric vehicles in the country, or even develop electric vehicles specifically for the Chinese market."

"So during this inspection, in addition to exploring the technical strength of Nanshan Battery, there should be the idea of ​​using Nanshan Battery as a battery supplier for BMW electric vehicles."

"Now we are ready to supply batteries to Yangcheng Trumpchi. BMW is interested. We just took this opportunity to start vigorously developing Nanshan batteries."

"In the future, as China introduces various subsidies and incentive policies for electric vehicles, various car companies will more or less begin to be involved in the research and development and production of electric vehicles."

"When the time comes, we will take the lead and hopefully gain recognition from various car companies in a relatively short period of time."

“In the future, we will further establish Nanshan Battery’s core position in the battery field.”

Cao Yang had invested so much manpower and material resources in the development of Nanshan Battery, so he naturally had high expectations for it.

The battery industry is indeed worthy of attention.

Otherwise, Cao Yang would not have asked Zhang Fugui to arrange funds to acquire upstream industries such as lithium mines and nickel mines.

If the production of Nanshan batteries increases in the future, Nanshan Group may also consider investing in the production of other electrolytes, positive and negative electrode materials, etc.

A stable supply chain plays a very important role at critical moments.

Especially when production capacity is tight, this is an important competitive advantage for you.

"If this is the case, then we simply take this opportunity to showcase our technical advantages and let BMW know that Nanshan Battery's products are the best in the industry?"

"In addition to the core material formula and processing technology, the introduction materials related to battery performance can be well displayed."

"The best thing is for BMW to show full interest in us after this visit and introduce Nanshan batteries into BMW's supply system as soon as possible."

Cao Yang agreed to Lin Cheng's plan without any hesitation.

Of course, this is also because he knows the development trajectory of BMW and knows that they really want to find suitable battery manufacturers in China.

Otherwise, if someone from a Mercedes-Benz or Audi car comes to inspect, Cao Yang will probably just let Lin Cheng deal with the arrangements.

Yangcheng’s policy this time has attracted so much attention.

Naturally, many people from Liu Tianwu's side also came to inquire about the news.

And those who can find Liu Tianwu will not be at a very low level.

As a result, word spread naturally about Yangcheng's desire to develop electric buses and electric taxis.

Even the electric buses are planned to be handed over to Nanyangcheng Commercial Vehicles, and the electric taxis are a cooperation between Nanshan Battery and Yangcheng Trumpchi, and it is also known by interested people.

For this reason, Liu Tianwu even called Cao Yang to explain.

"Leader, this is not a secret that cannot be told. We are also thinking of holding a project launch ceremony when the time comes. You should take the time to attend."

Regarding Liu Tianwu's apology, Cao Yang naturally wanted to say that it didn't matter.

In fact, this is really not a big deal.

You want to work on a project with Yangcheng City and you want to keep it completely confidential. How is that possible?

"I heard that many places are also preparing to launch similar electric bus projects, and ministries and commissions are also discussing the 'Ten Cities Thousands' electric bus demonstration plan."

"In addition to Yangcheng, other cities such as Shencheng, Imperial Capital, Magic Capital, Luzhou, Spring City, Shuangqing, etc. may also participate."

"I think this is also an opportunity for Nanshan Battery."

"Of course, you should also pay attention to other competitors. Whether it is BYD or Guoxuan Hi-Tech, they have a very good relationship with the local area. By then, the electric vehicle demonstration projects in these cities will most likely be won by them. .”

When others inquired about information from Liu Tianwu, he naturally turned to the other party to inquire about some information.

Not to mention, this time Liu Tianwu really got some useful information for Nanshan Group.

"It seems that the new energy subsidy related policies of the ministries and commissions will be introduced soon."

"Leader, I need your help to advance Lingnan Province's subsidy policy."

"We will try to put electric buses and electric taxis into trial operation next year."

Cao Yang knew that Nanshan Battery’s actions this time would definitely be an stimulus to other battery manufacturers.There are still very few domestic car battery manufacturers.

Many of the top ten domestic battery manufacturers in later generations have not yet been established.

Even if some of them have been established, their main business is still batteries for consumer electronics.

For example, Sunwanda and Yiwei Lithium Energy are now focusing on consumer electronics such as mobile phones and computers.

Even before BYD launched F3DM, batteries were supplied to mobile phone and computer manufacturers such as Motorola.

That is to say, a few manufacturers such as Guoxuan Hi-Tech focused on cars from the beginning.

However, there haven’t been many impressive results so far.

"It would be best if it can be put into small batch production by the end of next year and run for a period of time."

"When the time comes for large-scale promotion during the Asian Games, the risk will be very low."

Liu Tianwu was obviously very satisfied with Cao Yang's arrangement.

This special project has a very demanding schedule.

While Cao Yang and Liu Tianwu were talking about the project arrangements for electric buses and electric taxis, Guoxuan Hi-Tech, which was also targeting the electric vehicle market, was also discussing the electric bus projects in Nanshan Battery and Yangcheng.

"Mr. Li, although Nanshan Battery has only supplied hybrid batteries to Xingchen Motors so far, according to the information we have learned, Nanshan Group has invested a lot of manpower and material resources in Nanshan Battery in recent years."

"Nanshan Equipment has even specially deployed a group of technicians to develop battery production equipment, in order to improve Nanshan's battery production technology level and automation level to the most advanced level in the country."

"According to what we know, the electric buses and electric taxis being prepared in Yangcheng are likely to use two different technologies, lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium batteries respectively."

"Otherwise, it would be impossible for electric taxis to have a cruising range of 400 kilometers."

As the director of the technology center of Guoxuan High-tech, Shi Junhui joined Guoxuan High-tech after graduating from the Chinese Academy of Sciences with a doctorate.

Although he is relatively young, he quickly became the director of the technical center by virtue of his proficiency in lithium iron phosphate technology.

Previously, they had been paying attention to domestic and international competitors such as BYD Battery, Panasonic Battery and LG Battery.

Regarding Nanshan Battery, although there has been some investigation, the information known is not very much.

Now with the introduction of policies in Yangcheng, Shi Junhui realized that Nanshan Battery may be the most technologically advanced among these competitors.

Otherwise, how could Yangcheng dare to set the battery life standard so high?
"The electric taxi market is indeed a very suitable target for electric vehicles. However, passenger cars need to install batteries. The space is too limited and there are many restrictions. It is difficult to balance the needs of all aspects."

"Our company should focus on commercial vehicles first and conquer the passenger car and bus markets."

"These vehicles have enough space to carry a large number of batteries, and their charging needs are relatively fixed. They are undoubtedly the easiest targets for promotion."

"One of the targets of Nanshan Batteries is also these models, and there is a high probability that they will also use lithium iron phosphate batteries in buses."

"Otherwise, it would be impossible to set the cruising range standard for electric buses even lower than that of electric taxis."

Li Zhen is not a battery expert. A few years ago, he didn't even know anything about batteries.

His first pot of gold was actually earned in the real estate market.

There are many real estate properties in Luzhou, all developed by Guoxuan Group.

It was not until 2005 that Li Zhen came into contact with lithium iron phosphate batteries for the first time when he visited the University of Science and Technology of China. Later, he specially arranged personnel to study this technology.

Finally, Guoxuan Hi-Tech entered the battery industry.

"Yes, I think so too."

"During this period, we happened to be discussing electric buses with Ankai Bus, and we thought of working together with Nanshan Battery."

"I think the progress of this project needs to be accelerated. The best thing is to launch the product on the market before Nangoat City commercial vehicles."

“That way we can take the lead when promoting our products.”

Although Shi Junhui is engaged in technology, he also knows the importance of publicity.

The success of publicity is sometimes not just a matter of the level of publicity, but has a lot to do with the strength and timing of your company.

For example, more than ten years ago, no matter what kind of electric vehicle you came up with, it was impossible to achieve any particularly good results in terms of publicity.

But now the tide is beginning to change.

China has begun to worry about the development of electric vehicles.

At this time, whether the publicity is in place or not has a great bearing on the development of an enterprise.

"Well, I will personally communicate with the boss of Ankai Bus, and we will work together to get this electric bus project started as soon as possible."

"However, according to our current technology, there should be no way for the buses to reach 300 kilometers of driving range, right?"

Although Li Zhen does not have a technical background, the company has been working on batteries for several years. He has heard many related reports and has some knowledge about batteries.

People like them can become the trendsetters of the times, and their IQ is not bad. It can even be said that their IQ and EQ are very high.

Otherwise, among so many people going to sea, why can they succeed?
Do you really think it's all luck?
"200 kilometers!"

"According to our current technology, we can only achieve a maximum range of 200 kilometers, and that's without turning on the air conditioner."

"But for buses, 200 kilometers of driving range is basically enough."

"Not talking about traffic jams, just driving normally, stop-and-go, the average speed is about 30 kilometers."

"A 200-kilometer range is basically enough to drive for six or seven hours."

"At that time, these buses can be charged for a while at the bus station during shift change to meet the needs of the day, and then finally fully charged during the night break."

Li Zhen was not very satisfied with Shi Junhui's answer and asked directly: "The subsidy standard announced by Yangcheng is 300 kilometers, which shows that Nanshan batteries can meet this requirement."

"In this regard, is there any way we can catch up?"

From real estate to batteries, Li Zhen definitely hopes to make Guoxuan Hi-Tech No. [-] in the industry.

Otherwise, if you can just make money in real estate, why engage in high technology?

"Mr. Li, we are still investigating how Nanshan Battery did this."

"After our lithium iron phosphate technology is updated in the future, the energy density can be further improved."

"As for the subsidy standards, this is actually easy to handle. Yangcheng has to set such high standards. We in Luzhou do not need to copy them completely."

"When the time comes, just adjust the standard to 200 kilometers."

"I believe that when other cities introduce relevant subsidy standards, they will definitely not directly copy Yangcheng's standards."

Shi Junhui briefly answered Li Zhen's question, and then immediately changed the subject.

Although he is an expert on lithium iron phosphate batteries, he is also an expert. The more he knows that the energy density of batteries needs to be improved, it is not that simple.

This involves a series of things, and it is difficult to break through without a certain amount of time accumulation.

If the electric buses cooperated by Guoxuan Hi-Tech and Ankai Bus also have a cruising range of 300 kilometers, let alone launching them in 2010 according to the original plan, even if they are given another two years, they may not be able to complete it. .

But it is definitely impossible for Guoxuan Hi-Tech to give him more time.

Shi Junhui's main task now is to achieve large-scale mass production of the company's lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Otherwise, there has been no experience in large-scale mass production, and it would be very difficult to continuously improve battery technology.

"Nanshan Battery is currently developing lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium batteries together. Which development route do you think will be successful in this battery technology?"

Li Zhen's question should be one that many people want to know the answer to.

But not all questions in this world have standard answers.

Not all questions can give a satisfactory answer.

What technical route is the most suitable battery?
This question, even in 2023, will not have a standard answer.

However, as a technical expert on lithium iron phosphate batteries, Shi Junhui will definitely answer this question from the perspective that is most beneficial to him.

"Judging from the current situation, most domestic battery manufacturers believe that lithium iron phosphate batteries are most suitable for electric vehicles, and ternary lithium batteries are most suitable for mobile phones and computers."

"On the one hand, lithium iron phosphate batteries are safer and less likely to catch fire and explode."

"On the other hand, the cost of ternary lithium batteries is much higher than that of lithium iron phosphate, and the production difficulty is also much higher."

"It doesn't matter if the cost is higher when using ternary lithium batteries for mobile phones and batteries. After all, the batteries are small."

"But if it is used in electric vehicles, the battery cost of a passenger car may directly reach more than 30 to [-] yuan."

"Even with various subsidies, this cost is not acceptable for passenger cars."

Shi Junhui's answer made it hard for people to find fault.

This somewhat dispelled some of Li Zhen's concerns.

However, the answer to what technology is most suitable for electric vehicle batteries was obviously not available in 2008.

Li Zhen knew this well, so after hearing Shi Junhui's answer, he didn't feel too entangled.

Guoxuan High-tech currently does very little research on ternary lithium batteries, and even if Li Zhen has any ideas, it is of no use.

You can’t change the route now, right?

(End of this chapter)