CATL introduces dual-battery system for electric trucks

Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) has introduced a dual-battery system called "Dual-Electric Range Extender" designed for electric trucks. This system combines a swappable battery that can be exchanged in five minutes with a fixed power reserve, aiming to reduce downtime for heavy trucks by allowing them to continue operating even when the main battery is nearly depleted. The system was unveiled on October 20, 2026.

Dual batteries serve different functions

The system features two batteries with distinct roles. Battery A acts as the main energy reserve, with a capacity of 432 or 513 kWh depending on the truck's configuration. It can be swapped at dedicated stations. Battery B is permanently installed in the truck and has a 77 kWh capacity, functioning similarly to a jerrycan on a traditional thermal vehicle, providing a backup energy source when the main battery reaches 5% charge.

CATL offers battery rental model

CATL plans to offer the main battery on a rental basis, potentially reducing the upfront costs for transport companies. This approach aligns with the company's broader ecosystem, which relies heavily on battery swapping. However, battery swapping infrastructure is still in its early stages in Europe, where the technology is not yet widely adopted.

Expansion plans for battery swapping network

In China, CATL's battery swapping network, QiJi, already serves five major road corridors and aims to expand to 900 stations by the end of 2026, 2,000 by 2027, and ultimately 10,000 stations. The swappable batteries are standardized into two formats: the 260# pack (432 kWh) for trucks with a 3,800 mm wheelbase and the 300# format (513 kWh) for vehicles with a 4,200 mm wheelbase.

European joint venture faces challenges

In Europe, CATL and Octopus Energy formed a joint venture called Swaptopus in June 2025, focusing on battery swapping for heavy trucks. The initiative plans to build mega-hubs with multiple swap stations, with the first site expected to open in the United Kingdom by 2027. The long-term goal is to establish over 30 hubs across Europe by 2035, supporting more than 300,000 electric trucks.

Standardization remains a hurdle in Europe

A major challenge for the adoption of CATL's system in Europe is the lack of standardization in battery formats and interfaces. This inconsistency could complicate the integration of the technology into the existing European trucking infrastructure, potentially slowing its widespread use.