CATL Launches Innovative Dual-Electric Range Extending Battery for Heavy-Duty Trucks

CATL Unveils Dual-Electric Range Extension Battery

On October 20, 2026, CATL unveiled its groundbreaking dual-electric range extension battery designed to propel the adoption of heavy-duty electric trucks in the freight transport sector. This innovative solution combines a dual-battery system with advanced battery swapping technology, aiming to accelerate the electrification of road freight transport, which has been traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.

Overview of the Dual-Electric Range Extension Battery

The new battery system consists of two independent but complementary battery units. The primary battery is based on QIJI's standardized battery swapping technology, mounted on the chassis to maximize energy efficiency. Additionally, an auxiliary battery unit with a capacity of 77 kWh is situated behind the cabin, offering extra power and supporting rapid charging at rates of 3C.

Together, these systems ensure a continuous and reliable power supply for heavy-duty trucks, even under demanding operating conditions. This dual system also addresses common challenges faced by operators, such as battery utilization and operational costs, ultimately improving fleet profitability.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

One of the key advantages of CATL's dual battery system is its capacity to manage energy reserves more effectively. In traditional battery swapping models, drivers often swap batteries while leaving some charge available to prevent complete depletion. However, with the addition of the range-extending battery, trucks can operate with greater charge depth. The main battery can now be discharged down to 5%, thanks to rapid switching technology that CATL has developed, thereby facilitating a smoother and uninterrupted energy supply.

Flexible Asset Management and Leasing Options

Another innovative feature of CATL's system is its flexibility in battery management. The range extension battery remains with the vehicle throughout its life cycle, acting as a valuable asset and reducing the dependence on quickly accessible battery swap stations. Conversely, operators can lease the main battery based on seasonal transportation demands, thus helping fleets minimize rental costs during slower periods.

This setup promotes both standardization and configurable vehicle designs, significantly increasing the practicality and economic viability of heavy-duty electric trucks for a broader range of applications.

The Role of QIJI in Battery Swapping Ecosystem

Complementing CATL's hardware advancements, QIJI plays a pivotal role in creating a shared battery swapping ecosystem based on three foundational pillars: standardization, new infrastructure, and a comprehensive business ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, QIJI aims to enhance the electrification of heavy-duty trucks through a co-created value chain.

Standardization Benefits

To accommodate a wide array of truck models and operational needs, QIJI has introduced standardized battery blocks with capacities of 432 kWh and 513 kWh, in addition to an existing 75 kWh block. This system facilitates rapid battery swaps in just five minutes, achieving a 99.99% success rate on first attempts, thereby helping fleets minimize operational downtime.

Additionally, QIJI pioneered a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, enabling customers to pay based on net energy consumed rather than discharged energy. This model allows customers to retain the benefits from regenerative braking and reduces battery rental costs significantly, making operations more economical.

Infrastructure Enhancements

QIJI's ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure are focused on optimizing four critical resources in long-haul freight transport: time, space, payload capacity, and grid electricity. Rapid battery swapping not only decreases wait times but also improves resource utilization by allowing more vehicles to be serviced within the same area. Furthermore, QIJI plans to establish 900 battery swapping stations by the end of 2026 and grow this number to 2,000 by 2027, with a long-term goal of 10,000 stations nationwide.

Comprehensive Vehicle Life Cycle Support

Through its collaborative models, QIJI connects truck manufacturers, financial institutions, insurers, and service partners throughout the entire vehicle life cycle—from acquisition and operation to maintenance and resale. This integrated approach aims to transform the transition costs towards a low-carbon economy into new growth opportunities, allowing all participants in the value chain to share in the benefits of clean energy.

This dual-battery system and the cooperative architecture laid out by QIJI and CATL reflect their commitment to making heavy-duty electric trucking not only feasible but also profitable. Jesse Yang, CEO of QIJI Energy, emphasized that this combination delivers an optimal solution for the electrification of heavy-duty trucks, paving the way for a more sustainable transport future.