Core Viewpoint - Zhongzi Technology (688737) has been recognized as a supplier of exhaust purification catalysts for a state-owned automotive group, indicating strong R&D and supply chain capabilities, which is expected to positively impact future performance [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Zhongzi Technology has received a notification for designated development of exhaust purification catalysts for new energy vehicles, although this does not constitute a formal order [1] - The company has achieved significant sales milestones in 2024, with gasoline vehicle exhaust purification catalyst sales surpassing one million sets and entering the supply chain of a joint venture brand [2] - The company has successfully won a bid for a major project involving metal honeycomb precious metal catalysts for a petrochemical facility, indicating strong performance in the industrial catalyst sector [2] Group 2: Financial Performance - The internal combustion engine exhaust purification catalyst segment is projected to generate revenue of 1.453 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for approximately 93% of total revenue [1] - Other business segments, while smaller in scale, are experiencing substantial growth, with the industrial catalyst segment expected to see a 65.73% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching 13.88 million yuan [1] - The energy storage and related business is anticipated to grow by 309.47% year-on-year, reaching 80.17 million yuan, while hydrogen energy business revenue is expected to increase by 1273% [1] Group 3: Industry Trends - The implementation of the National VI emission standards is expected to increase the complexity of exhaust after-treatment technologies, driving the industry towards higher technology and value-added products [3] - The rapid development of new energy vehicles is anticipated to create new demand for hydrogen catalysts, indicating a shift in market needs [3]

Core Insights - The Chinese automotive lubricants and additives market is substantial, with nearly 30 million vehicles produced annually, even if half transition to electric vehicles, the production of fuel vehicles will still rival the entire U.S. automotive market [2] - Lubricants are essential for the longevity of electric vehicles, as highlighted by Rebecca Liebert, CEO of Lubrizol [2] - The rapid adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is reshaping the structure and operational boundaries of the automotive system, presenting unprecedented challenges for lubrication systems [3][4] Industry Trends - The penetration rate of hybrid vehicles is continuously increasing, and alternative fuel technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas, and methanol are entering large-scale exploration [2] - The Chinese government is developing the National VII standards for light and heavy vehicles, which will align with European and American standards while focusing on pollution reduction and carbon control [2][3] - As of June 2023, the total number of vehicles in China reached 359 million, with NEVs accounting for 36.89 million, representing 10.27% of the total [3] Product Development Challenges - The transition to electric vehicles presents different challenges for lubricants compared to the fuel era, particularly with the technical requirements of high-voltage electric drive platforms [4] - Lubricant companies must collaborate with automotive manufacturers to develop new specialized products tailored to the needs of electric and hybrid systems [4] - The performance requirements for lubricants in electric drive systems, hybrid systems, and battery thermal management systems cannot be met by merely adjusting traditional oil products [3]

Core Viewpoint - The transition from conventional fuel tanks to high-pressure fuel tanks is driven by stricter emission regulations and the need for better fuel vapor management in hybrid and electric vehicles [1][12][15] Group 1: Fuel Tank Types - Conventional fuel tanks maintain pressure equilibrium with the environment and are typically made of high-density polyethylene, which helps reduce vehicle weight and fuel consumption [1] - High-pressure fuel tanks are primarily made of metal, designed for hybrid vehicles, particularly PHEVs, and are equipped with additional components like a carbon canister and fuel tank isolation valve [5][7] Group 2: Emission Control Mechanisms - Conventional fuel tanks are equipped with a carbon canister to capture and store fuel vapors, which are then combusted in the engine to meet emission standards [3][8] - The carbon canister's capacity is limited, and it operates effectively in vehicles with frequent engine operation, creating a closed-loop system of vapor absorption and combustion [3][8] Group 3: Advantages of High-Pressure Fuel Tanks - High-pressure fuel tanks prevent fuel vapor overflow and ensure compliance with emission regulations, especially during prolonged electric vehicle operation when the engine does not run [13] - Vehicles with high-pressure fuel tanks do not require regular engine starts to manage fuel vapors, enhancing user experience by avoiding unexpected engine activation during electric driving [15] - With the upcoming implementation of stricter emission standards, high-pressure fuel tanks are expected to become the standard, gradually replacing conventional tanks [15]