CATL has introduced the TECTRANS II platform, a modular battery system for commercial vehicles. The architecture uses standardized dimensions, electrical interfaces, and communication protocols. This design allows manufacturers to combine battery packs to adjust energy capacity and payload, supporting both e-axle and central-drive systems. It also enables switching between charging and battery-swapping methods.
The platform offers a specific energy of 170 Wh/kg, which the company claims is 13% higher than the industry average. The system achieves 96% round-trip efficiency through a full-tab low-impedance design. For heavy-duty trucks, the battery is rated for a 12-year or 1.5-million-kilometer service life, maintaining 70% capacity. The enclosure provides 250 kN of lateral crush strength and 15-year corrosion resistance.
Safety features include multi-branch independent BMS control, which isolates failed branches to maintain power supply. The system also includes insulation fault-location technology and IPXXB protection. CATL claims the largest configuration provides a driving range of up to 1,000 km. The modular approach is intended to reduce vehicle development cycles and R&D costs for original equipment manufacturers.
At the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, CATL signed a memorandum of understanding with DHL Group. The companies plan to develop Green Freight Corridors across Europe, building on a previous agreement from September 2024. The partnership involves collaborating with OEMs to create purpose-built electric vehicles and conduct pilot deployments.
