BATTERIES

CATL’s TECTRANS System Cuts Downtime for Electric Commercial Trucks with 15-Minute Superfast Charging

September 18, 2024

CATL’s TECTRANS system charges 70% in just 15 minutes, minimizing downtime for electric commercial trucks.
The TECTRANS Long Life Edition lasts up to 15 years or 2.8 million kilometers, setting a durability standard.
The TECTRANS Bus Edition offers 175Wh/kg energy density, improving range and efficiency for long-distance travel.

Sustainability isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s becoming the new standard. For commercial transportation, electrification is picking up speed as fleet operators look for ways to lower emissions, cut costs, and boost efficiency. One exceptional advancement is the TECTRANS battery system from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), introduced at IAA Transportation.

Designed for electric commercial trucks, this new system is built to address key challenges like charging times, range, and affordability. The TECTRANS system offers higher energy density, superfast charging, and longer battery life, which means it could significantly impact the industry.

CATL’s advancements reflect a broader trend toward sustainable electric transportation, gaining momentum throughout the commercial vehicle industry. As fleet electrification becomes more common, operators are recognizing that electric trucks offer advantages beyond just helping the environment.

According to Akin Li, CATL’s Executive President of Overseas Business, “Our batteries have proven their reliability and performance in extreme conditions,” reinforcing the company’s key role in supporting the energy transition for commercial fleets.

_{CATL booth at IAA Transportation event.}

15-Minute Charging, 15-Year Battery Lifespan for Electric Trucks

For heavy-duty trucks, CATL has introduced two impressive versions of its TECTRANS system, each tailored to meet specific needs. The Superfast Charging Edition, featuring a 4C peak charging rate, delivers 70% charge in just 15 minutes. This significantly cuts down on downtime, which is a huge benefit for fleet operators managing tight schedules and delivery deadlines.

Meanwhile, the Long Life Edition offers an industry-leading lifespan of up to 15 years or 2.8 million kilometers, providing fleet owners with long-term savings by reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.

These advancements are crucial, especially for industries like port deliveries and long-haul trucking, where minimizing downtime is everything. CATL’s technology is helping businesses transition to greener options without losing out on productivity. Now, companies looking into electric commercial trucks have a real chance to go electric without giving up the performance and durability they’ve trusted with diesel engines.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) points out that electric semi-trucks are becoming the key to the future of trucking. Fleet operators are likely to see up to a 30% reduction in operational costs when they switch from diesel to electric. This aligns with the growing trend of fleet managers considering not just sustainability but also economic efficiency in their decision-making. CATL’s TECTRANS battery system is proving to be the answer they’ve been waiting for.

_{Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business.}

CATL’s TECTRANS Bus Edition Boosts Electric Bus Range with 175Wh/kg Energy Density

The electrification of long-distance passenger transport is also benefiting from CATL’s innovations. With the TECTRANS Bus Edition, fleet operators can now access a battery system with an energy density of 175Wh/kg—setting a new standard for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the bus sector. This, combined with a compact design and superior thermal management, gives buses long-range capabilities and increased layout flexibility, critical factors for accommodating more passengers without compromising on range.

CATL TECTRANS System Bus Edition — _{CATL TECTRANS system bus edition.}

The thermal management technology is no small feat either. Extreme climates can wreak havoc on battery systems, but CATL’s innovation reduces internal temperature differences by 50%. This extends the lifespan of the battery and also ensures consistent performance, regardless of environmental challenges.

As one fleet operator from Tri-State Electric Cooperative pointed out, “Electric buses offer not only a cleaner alternative but also operational benefits that make them a smart choice for long-term investments.”

Fast-Charging Solutions for Urban Delivery Fleets

CATL is expanding beyond long-haul trucks and buses, recently introducing light truck solutions designed for urban delivery and last-mile logistics. These vehicles need high-energy density and fast charging to handle the fast pace of city deliveries. With the TECTRANS system, delivery fleets now have a flexible option that improves energy efficiency and reduces downtime, helping businesses operate more smoothly while adopting sustainable practices.

In fact, Go-TOU, a leading expert in electric truck charging solutions, stresses the importance of fast-charging infrastructure for electric commercial trucks. “Charging speed is crucial for urban logistics fleets, where quick turnaround times are essential. With systems like CATL’s, we can support these fleets in maintaining their competitive edge while reducing their carbon footprint.”

CATL TECHTRANS Systems light duty commercial vehicle Battery — _{CATL TECHTRANS Systems light duty commercial vehicle battery.}

CATL’s TECTRANS Powers Sustainability with Net Zero Goals and Expanded Recycling

While the TECTRANS system is a breakthrough in battery performance, it’s important to note that CATL’s vision extends beyond just product innovation. The company has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts, with a goal to achieve net zero in battery manufacturing operations by 2025 and across the supply chain by 2035.

CATL is also expanding its global battery recycling hubs, achieving over 90% recovery rates for key materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. By focusing on both battery production and recycling, CATL is making electric trucks cleaner to operate and more sustainable to build and maintain, helping reduce their overall environmental impact.

By addressing the unique needs of industries like trucking and urban logistics, CATL offers businesses the tools they need to succeed in the electric vehicle space. As Akin Li from CATL explains, “TECTRANS is the result of our extensive R&D efforts and marks a major advancement in electrifying commercial vehicles.”