CATL targets heavy-duty transport with its new Tianxing batteries, boasting breakthroughs in range, charging speed, and durability.

Electrification is sweeping through every corner of the transportation industry, reaching all vehicle types. Once focused on passenger cars, the shift is now accelerating into commercial and heavy-duty transport.

On November 25, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) hosted a product launch for its Tianxing (known internationally as Tectrans) series of batteries, specifically designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Four new models were introduced, featuring standout capabilities: 4C ultra-fast charging, a 1,000 kilowatt-hour capacity enabling 800 kilometers of range, a lifespan of 15 years or 3 million kilometers, and durability metrics that are four times the industry standard.

This expansion builds on the Tianxing product line, which debuted in July as CATL’s dedicated commercial vehicle battery brand. The new models target applications such as electric trucks, mining vehicles, dump trucks, and excavators.

At the launch event, Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s domestic commercial vehicle division, highlighted the technological advancements of the new lineup. All models feature a 1,000V high-voltage architecture, improving charging speeds by 43% and reducing energy loss by 50%.

The economic benefits are claimed to be equally compelling. For instance, a wide-body mining truck operating at the Yulong copper mine with CATL batteries achieved a full week of operation without recharging, lowering operational costs by 30%, according to Gao.

CATL’s journey into heavy-duty vehicle electrification began in 2017, with teams rigorously testing and iterating prototypes across China’s major mining regions and ports. After years of preparation, the results are now visible.

Four batteries, four use cases

The four new Tianxing batteries cater to distinct needs:

• Ultra-fast charging version: Ideal for mining transport and construction vehicles, this model charges to 70% capacity in just 15 minutes with a peak 4C charge rate, boosting vehicle uptime and operational efficiency.
• Long-life version: Designed for longevity, this battery delivers 15 years or 3 million kilometers of consistent performance, even under heavy loads and extended hauls, while enhancing the residual value of electric trucks.
• Long-range version: Featuring a 1,000 kWh capacity, this model supports an 800-kilometer range, reportedly matching the capacity of 20 passenger EV batteries.
• High-durability version: Built on CATL’s proprietary Taishan architecture, this battery improves volumetric efficiency by 40% and achieves IP68 waterproof certification. With a lifespan of 500,000 kilometers—four times the industry average—it has been adopted by manufacturers such as Tongli Heavy Industry and XCMG for over 20 vehicle models.

To handle extreme conditions, CATL reinforced the battery enclosure with dual-layer cross beams, a differentiated honeycomb structure, and enhanced internal energy absorption. Additionally, CATL’s advanced liquid cooling system maintains a charging temperature variance within 5 degrees Celsius, ensuring reliability under demanding circumstances.

Cost reduction is the ultimate goal of these technological advancements. In China, electricity costs significantly less than diesel, creating a compelling case for electrification. A heavy-duty truck incurs annual diesel expenses of around RMB 500,000 (USD 70,000), compared to just RMB 200,000 (USD 28,000) for electricity.

CATL’s long-life battery could save operators RMB 1 million (USD 140,000) over eight years for a truck traveling 200,000 kilometers annually. The high-durability version offers even greater savings, extending the typical lifespan of mining trucks from 100,000 kilometers to 500,000 kilometers.

These innovations position CATL to capture a growing heavy-duty electrification market, which is projected to reach hundreds of billions of RMB.

CATL’s experience in the passenger EV segment laid the groundwork for its commercial vehicle strategy. In China, CATL holds a 50.73% market share in engineering machinery batteries, while globally, its share stands at 30%, making it an industry leader.

The momentum for heavy-duty electrification is undeniable. In 2017, electric heavy trucks in China had a penetration rate of just 0.1%. By the first three quarters of 2024, this figure had surged to 11.2%.

Even with its dominant position, CATL remains proactive. Flagship products like the Qilin and Shenxing batteries accounted for 30–40% of its passenger battery shipments in 2024, with projections of 70–80% by 2025. A similar strategy underpins CATL’s commercial vehicle ambitions.

With the new Tianxing models, CATL now provides a comprehensive range of solutions for commercial vehicles, spanning logistics to public transportation. However, the heavy-duty segment has drawn strong competition from players like BYD, Eve Energy, and CALB. The Tianxing launch, if anything, marks the beginning of an intense battle for dominance in the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles.

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