On May 18, 2025, in Datong City, Shanxi Province, the China Communications and Transportation Association and CATL introduced a next-generation battery swapping ecosystem for heavy-duty trucks. The event showcased the 75# standardized swapping electric block and an all-scenario chassis-based battery swapping solution, marking a significant step toward electrifying freight transport.

CATL outlined its goal to establish a nationwide battery swapping network by 2030, covering eight east-west and ten north-south expressways. This network aims to serve 80% of China’s trunk logistics capacity, spanning 150,000 kilometers of highways and trunk roads. By 2025, CATL plans to deploy 300 battery swap stations across 13 key regions, including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, covering routes like the Cangyu Line, G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway, Shanghai–Guangzhou Line, and Shanghai–Chengdu Line. The company targets a 50% electrification rate for heavy-duty trucks within three years.

Robin Zeng, CATL’s Chairman and CEO, stated: “The heavy-duty truck sector is poised for explosive growth in the next three years amid dual pressures and opportunities of zero-carbon transition and logistics cost reduction.” The 75# swapping electric block offers low lifecycle costs per tonne-kilometer, high safety standards, and compatibility with standardized swapping systems. Yang Jun, General Manager of CATL’s battery swapping business and CEO of QIJI Energy, noted: “The 75# swapping electric block offers top-tier longevity, supports modular configurations, and reduces costs through chassis-based battery swapping.”

The QIJI battery swapping solution emphasizes standardization, cost-efficiency, universal application, and ecosystem integration. By separating batteries from vehicles, it reduces research and purchase costs for manufacturers and buyers. CATL has collaborated with over ten automakers to develop more than 30 swappable vehicle models. The Qiji standard battery swap station, equipped with adaptive axle distance and posture control technologies, supports 95% of mainstream heavy-duty truck models. A next-generation super hub station demonstrated at the event can process over 700,000 kWh of daily battery swaps.

CATL’s investment focuses on expanding this network to enhance logistics efficiency and support environmental goals. The initiative aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs in the heavy-duty truck sector, fostering sustainable transportation across China’s major logistics corridors.

by autonews.gasgoo