CATL unveils mammoth 600 kWh battery and swap system for it

CATL is having a very busy week. Only a couple of days ago we reported on the company unveiling its latest battery technology designed for buses. The company now unveiled the Tectrans–T battery at the IAA show in Hanover, Germany. With a colossal 600 kWh capacity, this battery can enable some very decent autonomy for electrical trucks.

CATL is offering two versions of the Tectrans–T. First, the Long Life Edition boasts an impressive lifespan of 2,800,000 km and a 15-year warranty. This version also supports CATL’s battery-swapping solution via its QIJI Energy chassis, promising reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency for fleet owners.

For those prioritizing rapid charging, the Superfast Charging Edition steps up with a remarkable 4C charging capability. This enables juicing the battery to 70% capacity in 15 minutes. While the lifespan is slightly lower at 1,200,000 km, the convenience of swift charging could be a real disruptor for long-haul trucking.

Both editions of the Tectrans–T offer a substantial 500 km range, and CATL claims the batteries have already proven their mettle through rigorous testing. As Aleksej Krukov, Chief Engineer of CATL Overseas Business, confidently stated, “This product sets a new benchmark for heavy-duty truck battery endurance.”

CATL isn’t new to the European trucking scene, having established partnerships with giants like Daimler Truck AG, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and Volvo A/B. The introduction of Tectrans, CATL’s dedicated commercial vehicle battery brand, starts with the Tectrans–T designed for heavy-duty trucks. The Tectrans–L batteries are for lighter commercial EVs, and the Tectrans–B for electric buses. It looks like CATL has a comprehensive battery solution for the entire commercial vehicle segment.

While the Tectrans–T is grabbing headlines, it’s worth noting that the Tectrans lineup has more to offer. The Tectrans–L promises a real-world range between 150 km and 500 km with a battery capacity ranging from 30 to 200 kWh. On the other hand, the Tectrans–B, tailored for electric buses, boasts an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, a service life of 15 years or 1,500,000 km, and a warranty of 10 years or 1,000,000 km.

All three Tectrans batteries use CATL’s cutting-edge CTP (cell-to-pack) 3.0 technology, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. While pricing details have yet to be released, the Tectrans lineup is sure to make a significant impact on the electric…