- CATL claims new generation LFP bus batteries have a lifespan of up to 15 years—20% longer
- CATL claims 22% increase in volumetric energy density and 175 Wh/kg by weight
- The super fast charging version can charge up to 70% in 15 minutes
Chinese battery supplier CATL has announced a new battery pack for electric buses Designed to withstand the rigors of public transport use.
The CATL Tectrans Bus Edition package, officially launched at IAA Transportation 2024 in Germany, is designed for long-distance passenger buses and has energy density 175 watt-hours per kg—higher than other lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
This is one of CATL’s new Tectrans batteries for trucks and buses that the company claims will last a lifetime. up to 15 years—a 20% expansion based on technological improvements—or 1.5 million kilometers (nearly a million miles), according to a presentation, with a warranty that “covers the entire life of the vehicle,” said Aleksej Krükov, the company’s chief engineer for overseas business. say monday at the show. Furthermore, the Long Life Edition is rated for 15 years or 2.8 million km (1.74 million miles), with the option of a battery swap.
Meanwhile, super fast charging is also an important part of the product. In the Super Fast Charging Version, CATL claims Charge 70% in just 15 minutes—a feat that for fleet operators will require megawatt charger.
CATL Tectrans Long Life Edition LFP Electric Bus Battery
CATL Tectrans Superfast Charging Edition LFP Electric Bus Battery
CATL told show attendees that it is currently in talks with 13 automakers to use the Tectrans Bus Edition batteries in up to 80 vehicle models, according to CnEVPostAlthough it is unclear whether any of these products will be sold outside of China.
The new generation of batteries have capacities up to 600 kWh. They use a new high-density cathode design that helps make these batteries Energy density increased by 22% by volume. In the super-fast charging version, CATL has also worked to balance the temperature across the entire battery pack.
The battery company has many potential customers, as many companies are already building and selling electric buses around the world. In the United States, China’s BYD has produced a lot of electric busesas well as specialized companies like Proterra and established internal combustion vehicle manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz has even built solid state battery bus marks the first time this technology has been used in a production vehicle.
CATL Tectrans Bus Edition battery pack
CATL has long been a major player in the EV battery business for passenger cars and has developed cell-to-pack technology as an alternative to conventional battery packs that the company claims can give advantage in strength. The company is now focusing more on commercial vehicle applications under the Tectrans brand, which launched in July with two batteries for commercial trucks, including a long-range version and a fast-charging version that can charge up to 60% in just 12 minutes, according to CnEVPost.
While electric vehicles get the most attention, electric trucks and buses are a key part of the emissions-reduction equation. A 2021 study estimated that the shift to electric trucks and buses could save 57,000 lives by 2050 by reducing air pollution and its associated negative health impacts.
