CATL and Janus Electric advance heavy-duty electric truck battery technologies

Major developments in heavy-duty electric vehicle technology have emerged from CATL and Janus Electric. CATL has unveiled a dual-battery architecture designed for heavy-duty electric trucks as part of its QIJI battery swapping ecosystem. The system utilizes a large, swappable primary battery with capacities of 432 kWh or 513 kWh, paired with an onboard 77 kWh range-extender battery. This architecture aims to reduce vehicle downtime and financial hurdles for freight operators by allowing battery swaps at compatible stations.

In a separate development, Australian conversion specialist Janus Electric has secured a battery supply deal with Electrovaya to fulfill orders for its Class 8 electric truck conversions. The deal includes an initial $26 million purchase order for battery packs to support demand in the United States and Canada. Electrovaya will also invest approximately $1.4 million in Janus Electric stock. Janus Electric focuses on converting diesel semi-trucks into electric models, leveraging existing glider chassis to facilitate the transition to electric heavy transport.