CATL Strikes Major Deal with Mitsubishi Unit for Battery Patents Covering MP1 Interface Tech

On May 15, Chinese battery giant CATL signed a landmark patent licensing agreement with MU Ionic Solutions Corporation (MUIS), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical, securing access to MUIS’s cutting-edge lithium-ion battery (LIB) technologies. The deal centers on the company’s MP1 technology, a next-generation interface control method for cathode materials based on difluorophosphate compounds.

MUIS has invested years into research on the interaction between cathode materials and electrolytes, culminating in a robust patent portfolio. The MP1 tech, now officially licensed to CATL, aims to enhance battery stability and performance, especially in applications such as electric vehicles (xEVs) and high-end electronics.

The two parties pledged to collaborate on accelerating the real-world application of MP1, reinforcing their shared commitment to supporting the rapid evolution of the EV market.

Formed in October 2020, MUIS is a dedicated electrolyte producer created through the merger of Mitsubishi Chemical and Ube Industries’ electrolyte divisions. Mitsubishi holds an 80% stake, while Ube owns 20%. MUIS operates major production hubs in Yokkaichi (Mie Prefecture), Sakai (Osaka), and in China through Changshu Youling Battery Materials Co., Ltd.

With this move, CATL secures a crucial competitive edge in the global battery race, while MUIS gains a strategic foothold in the Chinese battery supply chain. The licensing deal is expected to accelerate adoption of MP1 across large-scale EV platforms, signaling a stronger push toward high-performance, next-gen lithium battery solutions.