Li Auto, Ianlon set up advanced materials R&D lab

Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer Li Auto announced that it has partnered with automotive components supplier Ianlon Technology to set up an R&D centre in Changzhou focused on the development of advanced materials for EVs, according to local reports this week.

The “Joint Innovation Lab” will focus on developing ultra-high-strength steel, lightweight alloys and advanced composite materials for automotive applications. Li Auto also said the two companies will collaborate on developing new mold designs and component manufacturing processes.

The head of Li Auto’s Supply Chain division, Meng Qingpeng, said in a statement: “With the establishment of the Joint Innovation Lab, Li Auto and Ianlon Technology will continue to innovate in lightweight materials, structural design and manufacturing processes, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of new energy vehicles.”

Li Auto is one of China’s more successful BEV startups, with global sales last year rising by 33% to 500,508 units – lifting cumulative sales to 1,133,872 units. Ianlon Technology is a manufacturer of automotive molds and vehicle body parts and an integral supplier to Li Auto.