In a move that signals its global ambitions, Turkey's homegrown electric vehicle manufacturer Togg has inked a strategic partnership with CAIT, a subsidiary of Chinese battery titan CATL, to co-develop a common platform for the B-segment. The deal, finalized in late June 2026, paves the way for three all-new electric models slated to hit the roads starting in 2027, marking a significant escalation in the company's product offensive.
Togg, which currently produces the C-segment T10X SUV at its Gemlik campus near Bursa, has been steadily building its domestic market share. This partnership with CAIT (Contemporary Amperex Intelligent Technology) represents its most ambitious technology collaboration to date. By tapping into CATL's unparalleled battery expertise—the company controls roughly 37% of the global EV battery market—Togg aims to leapfrog competitors in the compact vehicle segment with cost-effective, long-range electric models.
Inside the CAIT partnership: Platform sharing and technology transfer
The agreement between Togg and CAIT goes far beyond a conventional supply contract. The two entities will jointly engineer a dedicated electric vehicle platform for the B-segment, encompassing battery management systems, power electronics, thermal management, and chassis integration. This co-development model grants Togg direct access to CATL's next-generation cell-to-pack (CTP) technology and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistries, which are increasingly favored in the compact vehicle segment for their cost efficiency and safety profiles.
Intellectual property sharing forms a core pillar of the deal. Togg CEO Gürcan Karakaş has consistently emphasized the company's ambition to become a technology developer rather than a mere assembler. By embedding Turkish engineers directly into the platform development process alongside CAIT's teams, the partnership is expected to significantly upgrade Turkey's automotive R&D capabilities. Industry analysts in Istanbul note that this could catalyze a broader transformation in Turkey's automotive supply chain, which has historically been dominated by internal combustion engine component manufacturing for global brands like Ford and Fiat.
Battery cost reduction and range targets
The most tangible benefit for Togg lies in battery cost economics. Leveraging CATL's massive scale and raw material procurement power, the partnership targets battery pack costs below $80 per kilowatt-hour for the B-segment platform. This is a critical threshold that could enable Togg to price its compact EVs competitively against both Chinese imports and established European models. The three upcoming vehicles are expected to deliver ranges between 400 and 500 kilometers on a single charge, positioning them favorably against rivals like the BYD Dolphin and the upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech.
Three new models: Togg's product expansion strategy for 2027
Togg's B-segment offensive will consist of three distinct body styles built on the shared CAIT platform: a B-SUV, a B-hatchback, and a B-sedan. This trio directly targets the highest-volume segments in Turkey's automotive market, which together account for approximately 30% of all new car sales. The B-segment has long been dominated by internal combustion models like the Fiat Egea and Renault Clio; Togg's entry with fully electric, connected alternatives could fundamentally reshape consumer preferences in this price-sensitive category.
Production targets are ambitious. With the current Gemlik facility operating at an annual capacity of 100,000 units for the T10X, the addition of the B-segment line is expected to push total capacity to 175,000 units by late 2027. Togg plans to phase in the three models gradually, with the B-SUV likely to debut first in the second quarter of 2027, followed by the hatchback and sedan variants. The company is also expanding its paint shop and battery packaging facilities to accommodate the increased output.
European export ambitions and CBAM compliance
While the domestic Turkish market remains the primary focus, Togg is explicitly designing its B-segment models for European export. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which began full implementation in 2026, and the 2035 zero-emission mandate have dramatically accelerated EV adoption across the continent. Togg's partnership with CAIT provides a compliant, low-carbon battery supply chain that meets stringent EU sustainability requirements. Furthermore, Turkey's Customs Union agreement with the EU offers Togg a tariff advantage over Chinese competitors, potentially making its compact EVs highly competitive in markets like Germany, France, and Italy.
Reshaping Turkey's automotive supply chain
The Togg-CAIT partnership carries profound implications for Turkey's broader automotive ecosystem. The country is already a major production hub for global automakers, but its supply chain remains heavily oriented toward conventional powertrains. By involving local Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers in the B-segment platform development, Togg aims to accelerate the transition toward EV component manufacturing. The localization rate at the Gemlik campus currently stands at 68%, and the company targets an increase with the new models.
Employment effects are equally significant. Togg directly employs over 2,500 people at its Gemlik campus as of 2026. The B-segment production line is projected to create an additional 2,000 to 2,500 direct jobs, with total employment impact—including the supply chain—reaching up to 20,000 positions. This comes at a crucial time for Turkey's economy, which is grappling with high inflation and a current account deficit that EV exports could help mitigate. The government in Ankara views Togg's expansion as a flagship project for its industrial policy and has provided substantial incentives for the Gemlik investment.
Gemlik campus expansion and battery R&D center
Physical expansion at the Gemlik site is already underway. Beyond the additional assembly lines, the campus is set to house a dedicated battery research and development center in collaboration with CAIT. This facility will focus on adapting CATL's latest cell technologies to Togg's specific platform requirements and exploring next-generation solid-state battery integration. The investment underscores Togg's commitment to building in-house expertise rather than relying solely on its Chinese partner's technology.
Togg's positioning in the global electric vehicle race
In the broader context of the global EV industry, Togg's CAIT partnership represents a calculated move to secure a foothold in the fiercely competitive compact segment. Global EV sales are approaching 40 million units annually in 2026, with B-segment vehicles driving much of the growth in price-sensitive markets. Togg's strategy of combining CATL's battery dominance with its own smart mobility ecosystem—anchored by the Trumore digital platform—creates a differentiated value proposition that extends beyond the vehicle itself.
Competitive dynamics are intensifying. Chinese automaker BYD has been aggressively expanding in Europe with its Dolphin and Atto models, while Stellantis is preparing a wave of affordable EVs under its Citroën and Peugeot brands. Togg's advantage lies in its geographic proximity to European markets and the Customs Union framework, which shields it from the additional tariffs facing Chinese imports. The CAIT partnership ensures battery supply security, which has become a critical bottleneck for many Western automakers. Analysts suggest that if Togg can execute its 2027 launch on schedule and at the targeted price points, it could capture a meaningful share of both the Turkish and Southern European compact EV markets.
Smart mobility and the Trumore ecosystem
Togg's vision extends well beyond hardware. The B-segment platform is being designed with native support for 5G connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Trumore digital ecosystem, which integrates vehicle controls, charging services, and lifestyle applications, will reach a significantly larger user base with the affordable B-segment models. This positions Togg not merely as an automaker but as a mobility services platform, a strategy that mirrors the approach of industry leaders like Tesla and NIO.
The strategic alliance between Togg and CAIT marks a defining moment for Turkey's automotive industry. With three new models slated for 2027, the company is transitioning from a single-product startup to a multi-segment manufacturer with global aspirations. The partnership secures the battery technology and cost structure necessary to compete in the mass market, while Togg's smart mobility vision provides a distinct brand identity. As the Gemlik campus expands and the first B-segment prototypes begin testing, the road ahead for Turkey's national car project looks increasingly electrified.
