CATL’s new battery for electric trucks promises 1,000 km of range, a service life of 1.5 million km, and 25 minutes for charging.

CATL has just introduced a new generation of batteries designed for one of the sectors where electrification still has a long way to go: long-distance heavy transportation. The Chinese company showcased its new TECTRANS II at the IAA Transportation 2026 exhibition in Hannover, a modular platform that allows for different battery capacities and can offer up to 1,000 kilometers of range in its highest-capacity configuration.

The proposal aims to address two of the main drawbacks of current electric trucks: battery weight and the time required to recharge. CATL claims that the new platform achieves an energy density of 170 Wh/kg, approximately 13% higher than the industry average, allowing for an additional 600 kilograms of payload while maintaining the same battery capacity.

The system is based on a modular design that enables the use of varying numbers of battery packs depending on each vehicle’s needs. This allows the same platform to be adapted for heavy trucks, medium-duty trucks, and buses, which have different capacity and payload requirements. Additionally, TECTRANS II is compatible with both electric axle propulsion systems and central traction architectures.

1,000 kilometers and 80% charge in 25 minutes

The figure that is likely to draw the most attention is the maximum range of 1,000 kilometers announced by CATL. This value corresponds to the highest-capacity configuration of TECTRANS II. The company allows different numbers of battery packs to be combined in order to tailor the system to each application.

But almost as important as range is the charging speed. The version designed for heavy trucks supports rapid charging at megawatt levels, enabling 80% of the battery to be recharged in just 25 minutes. In long-distance transportation, this can significantly change operational procedures, as it allows drivers to utilize their mandatory stops to regain a substantial amount of energy.

CATL has also worked on improving the system’s efficiency. TECTRANS II features a low-impedance design with full-tab technology and achieves a 96% round-trip efficiency rate according to the manufacturer’s data. This reduces losses during charging and discharging processes, allowing for greater utilization of the stored energy.

The expected lifespan of the version intended for heavy trucks is also particularly significant. CATL claims that the battery is designed to maintain performance for 12 years or 1.5 million kilometers, retaining 70% of its original capacity. This means that a truck that travels 600 kilometers on a full charge under harsh conditions can still cover slightly over 400 kilometers after 1.5 million kilometers.

Although CATL does not mention it, it should also be noted that after this time, it does not mean the truck must be discarded and replaced with a new one; rather, unless something unexpected occurs, its battery will be replaced allowing it to continue operating for a few more years.

The Chinese manufacturer has also placed special emphasis on battery durability, which is crucial for vehicles that spend much of their lifespan on the road. The upper steel sheet, made via hot forming, is designed to withstand 10,000 steps from a 180-kilogram person without deforming, while the lower protection layer offers impact resistance of up to 1,000 J.

The chassis also uses extruded aluminum with crush-resistant ribs, achieving lateral strength of up to 250 kN. CATL guarantees 15 years of corrosion resistance, and the battery management system features a redundant architecture that can isolate a faulty cell and maintain power supply using the remaining cells.

The new TECTRANS II is not intended solely for road freight transportation. CATL plans to use this platform in various types of commercial vehicles, including heavy and medium trucks, buses, as well as applications related to ports, mining, and urban distribution. The company has also signed an agreement with DHL to work on developing electrified freight transport corridors in Europe and future commercial vehicle projects.

The goal is to eliminate batteries as one of the main barriers to electrifying heavy transportation. A range of 1,000 kilometers, 25 minutes to reach 80% charge, and an expected service life of 1.5 million kilometers outline a solution that brings electric trucks closer to the actual needs of long-distance transportation.

The technology is ready; now investment is needed.

Key Points

The new TECTRANS II battery was unveiled at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover.

The modular platform allows for a range of up to 1,000 kilometers in its maximum configuration.

Energy density of 170 Wh/kg.

CATL ensures an additional payload capacity of about 600 kilograms with the same battery capacity.

80% charging in 25 minutes through megawatt-level fast charging.

Expected service life of 12 years and 1.5 million kilometers for the heavy truck version.

Retains 70% of its capacity at the end of this expected service life.

96% full-cycle efficiency.

Compatible with various battery pack configurations.

Also suitable for medium trucks and buses.

You can use conventional recharging or battery swapping.

Source | CATL