CATL announced the production of Li-ion cells using its proprietary M3P cathode technology is imminent.

CATL first announced it had been developing the M3P cathode technology in July 2022, stating that first production of the cells would begin in 2023. M3P cathode materials are similar in structure to LFP cathodes, though the iron content of the LFP is replaced by a combination of metals including zinc, magnesium and aluminium. CATL states that Li-ion cells using M3P cathode will have a 15% higher energy density than comparative cells using LFP cathodes, with an energy density in the region of 210Wh/kg. Whilst the energy density of M3P cathodes continues to lag behind NMC type cathode materials, M3P cathodes exhibit better stability and safety characteristics, similar to that of an LFP cathode.   

Tesla will incorporate Li-ion cells produced by CATL into the new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured at the Giga Shanghai plant in 2023.  Production of these models at the Giga Berlin facility will continue to use Li-ion cells using LFP technology supplied by BYD.  The adoption of M3P cathode materials by Tesla in China will have a notable impact on the wider Li-ion battery industry and its raw material requirements.  M3P cathodes are expected to largely compete in mass market and lower cost vehicles, distributing market share between M3P, LFP and newer LMFP formulations.  Project Blue expect NCM type cathodes to remain the cathode material of choice for luxury and extended range vehicles over the coming years.