CATL unveils battery swapping system for electric heavy-duty trucks

CATL has announced the next generation of its QIJI battery swapping system designed specifically for large electric trucks. The system allows for a full battery replacement in approximately five minutes, aiming to minimize downtime for commercial logistics.

To maximize efficiency, the system includes a secondary 77kWh reserve battery stored on board the vehicle. This allows drivers to continue operating even when the main battery drops below 5%, enabling them to utilize nearly the entire capacity of the primary battery before needing a swap. This approach addresses the tendency of drivers to swap batteries early to avoid being stranded.

CATL plans to deploy 900 swapping stations in China by the end of 2026, with a goal of 2,000 stations by 2027 and a long-term target of 10,000. The company argues that battery swapping is more efficient than ultra-fast charging for heavy-duty vehicles, as high-current charging generates excessive heat and energy loss. The business model focuses on battery rental, where users pay for the electricity consumed rather than owning the battery hardware.