CATL has launched its next-generation Tectrans II commercial vehicle battery solution in Germany, offering up to 1,000 kilometres of claimed range for heavy-duty electric trucks as the Chinese battery manufacturer expands its commercial vehicle technology portfolio.
The company unveiled the system at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover on September 14, targeting the range, charging and operating-cost requirements of long-haul transportation. The highest-capacity heavy-duty configuration can provide up to 1,000 kilometres of range and charge to 80% in 25 minutes using megawatt-level charging, according to CATL.
Modular Battery Platform Targets Multiple Applications
Tectrans II is built around a modular architecture that allows battery capacity to be adjusted by changing the number of standardized battery packs according to vehicle requirements, including energy demand and payload.
The system is compatible with both e-axle and central-drive vehicle architectures and supports either conventional charging or battery swapping.
CATL has standardized the dimensions, electrical interfaces and communication protocols of the battery packs. The company said this allows vehicle manufacturers to incorporate future battery upgrades into existing and new vehicle models without requiring major platform changes.
According to CATL, the modular approach can reduce vehicle development cycles by up to 50% and lower research and development costs by between 60% and 70%, as manufacturers would not need to develop dedicated battery systems for individual vehicle models.
“Commercial vehicle electrification will unfold over more than a decade,” said Zhu Lingbo, CTO of CATL Global Business Unit. “With our deep technological expertise and long-term commitment, CATL is ready to be the most reliable partner for customers worldwide and for the global electrification of freight transport.”
Higher Energy Density Supports Payload
The Tectrans II battery has a gravimetric energy density of 170 Wh/kg, which CATL says is about 13% higher than the industry average.
At the same battery capacity, the company estimates that vehicles using the system could carry approximately 0.6 tonnes of additional payload.
CATL also reports system round-trip efficiency of 96%, which is intended to reduce energy losses during charging and discharging.
For heavy-duty applications, the battery is designed for a service life of 12 years and 1.5 million kilometres, with 70% capacity retention at the end of that period, according to the manufacturer.
Battery System Extends Beyond Heavy Trucks
Although the 1,000-kilometre configuration is aimed at long-haul heavy-duty trucks, Tectrans II is also being developed for medium-duty trucks and buses.
Potential applications include long-distance freight, port operations, mining, urban delivery and passenger transportation.
The modular architecture allows CATL to address different commercial vehicle requirements while maintaining a common battery technology platform.
CATL And DHL Plan European Green Freight Corridors
During IAA Transportation, CATL also signed a memorandum of understanding with DHL Group to cooperate on green freight corridors across Europe.
The agreement builds on a partnership established by the two companies in September 2024 and expands their cooperation from battery supply toward vehicle development and operational deployment.
CATL and DHL plan to use DHL’s logistics network and transport requirements to work with automakers and other partners on purpose-built electric vehicles and pilot projects.
The initiative is intended to provide real-world operating experience for electric freight transport while supporting the development of charging and vehicle solutions suited to European logistics routes.
CATL Expands Tectrans Commercial Vehicle Portfolio
CATL introduced the Tectrans brand in July 2024, initially focusing on logistics and delivery applications before expanding into buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
In January 2026, the company introduced the Tectrans II series for light commercial vehicles in China, including a low-temperature variant using sodium-ion batteries. In July, CATL added an ultrafast-charging version with a claimed peak charging rate of 8C.
The heavy-duty Tectrans II system introduced in Germany is designed for different operating requirements, particularly long-distance and high-payload transportation.
The expanded lineup reflects CATL’s broader effort to supply battery systems across multiple commercial vehicle segments as manufacturers and fleet operators increase their use of electric vehicles.