CATL is one of the largest battery manufacturers worldwide. They provide that component that is vital for electric vehicles to a large number of vehicles that circulate on our roads and stand out for their potential. In recent times they have presented technological solutions such as LFP batteries with fast charging or other high-capacity ones for plug-in hybrids. Even in Spain it has a special impact because they have joined forces with Stellantis to open a battery plant. However, they have entered blacklisted in the United States.
It has emerged that from June 2026 CATL will be included in a list prepared by the Pentagon with companies that cannot work with the country’s Department of Defense or with local companies with military contracts. The main reason is none other than its Chinese originsince this strategy is part of the tug of war that the United States and China have had for years. In the “1260H” list there are up to 134 companies that have some type of commercial operation in the region and that are suspected of having links with the Chinese army.
There are other renowned companies on the list such as Tencent and it seems that it is entered without too much evidence. In fact, CATL has already spoken flatly denying having any relationship with the military and is considering challenging this decision. The main reason is that it cost the stock market a drop of 2.8% when the announcement was made, which would be equivalent to $4.4 billion. Even so, entering this list only limits in the military section and is expected not to affect CATL’s business too much.
In fact, the Chinese battery firm has been working with American companies quite lucratively. The Teslas sold in some markets use CATL batteries, while they have also signed an agreement with Ford to use their technology in a new factory in Michigan. Despite this, some believe that can be a source of espionage by the Chinese government, which requires some companies to access data. The most exposed would be the data from the charging stations and battery management.
