CATL’s TECTRANS Has 15-Year Battery Lifespan & Superfast Charging

At the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Germany, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) introduced its latest breakthrough in battery technology: the TECTRANS system. Designed to address two of the most pressing challenges in electric commercial vehicles—charging speed and battery longevity—the new system is meant to offer fleet operators unprecedented efficiency and reliability.

Reduced downtime with faster charging

One of the standout features of the TECTRANS system is its Superfast Charging Edition, which enables heavy-duty trucks to reach 70% charge in just 15 minutes, thanks to its 4C peak charging rate. This rapid charging capability dramatically reduces vehicle downtime, a major pain point for fleet operators.

The thermal management of the battery also contributes to its performance. The Superfast Charging Edition utilizes an advanced flow channel system to keep the internal temperature disparity within the battery at a minimum, improving safety and efficiency. This precision thermal control enables consistent performance even during high-intensity charging cycles, making the TECTRANS system suitable for large commercial fleets with tight turnaround schedules.

Longer lifespan for cost-effective operations

The TECTRANS Long Life Edition sets a new benchmark for commercial vehicle batteries with a lifespan of up to 15 years or 1.7 million miles. This extended lifespan is especially important for demanding operations, such as bulk transportation and port logistics, where battery replacements can be both costly and disruptive. CATL has achieved this longevity through a combination of material innovations and advanced design techniques.

Related:CATL Successfully Testing Condensed Batteries in Electric Aircraft

CATL's Tectrans L battery display. CATL

For example, the anode materials in the Long Life Edition have been modified to improve reactivity and suppress side reactions, facilitating better lithium ion transmission within the battery. Additionally, the cathode materials incorporate high-structural-stability active materials alongside lithium-rich components, which boost energy density and enhance cycle stability. This combination ensures that the battery not only lasts longer but also maintains a consistent level of performance throughout its lifespan.

The Long Life Edition also offers a driving range of up to 310 miles, making it suitable for both short-haul and long-distance transportation. Fleet operators managing long-distance routes will particularly benefit from the combination of extended range and reduced maintenance needs.

Advanced technology for long-range buses

Related:CATL's Breakthrough Redefines Long-Lasting Energy Storage Solutions

In addition to trucks, the TECTRANS system includes a bus-specific solution, featuring the highest energy density in the industry for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry at 175Wh/kg. This increase in energy density is achieved through a high-energy, high-press-density cathode design that maximizes storage capacity without increasing the size or weight of the battery. For bus operators, this translates into long-range passenger transport with minimal energy consumption and greater flexibility in vehicle layout and design.

Tectrans Bus edition battery display. CATL

The TECTRANS bus battery also incorporates a groundbreaking electrolyte formula with precise film-forming capabilities. This formulation enhances the stability of the cell's interfaces, extending service life by reducing the wear and tear on key components. Additionally, its U-shaped seal and zero-draft angle structural innovation allow for a 22% improvement in volumetric energy density compared to previous generations. This compact, energy-efficient design ensures that buses can travel longer distances while consuming less energy, further contributing to operational cost savings.

To maintain optimal performance across different climates, the TECTRANS system's advanced thermal management reduces internal temperature variation by 50%, ensuring reliable operation in extreme conditions, whether in high heat or freezing temperatures. This capability makes it a versatile option for fleet operators in regions with varied weather conditions.

Sustainability goals

Alongside its innovations in battery performance, CATL says it is also committed to sustainability. The company aims for net-zero operations in battery production by 2025 and plans to extend this goal across its supply chain by 2035. To further reduce the environmental impact of its batteries, CATL’s subsidiary, Brunp Recycling, has developed a recycling system that achieves recovery rates of over 99.6% for critical materials like nickel, cobalt, and manganese.

Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business. CATL

With a capacity to process 270,000 tons of used batteries annually, this recycling system plays a pivotal role in CATL's vision of producing batteries made entirely from recycled materials, minimizing the need for new mining operations and reducing emissions over the battery lifecycle.

Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business, emphasized the importance of these innovations: “TECTRANS is the culmination of our extensive R&D efforts and represents a significant step forward in commercial vehicle electrification. With its fast charging and extended lifespan, TECTRANS will reshape how fleets operate and accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.”