Chinese company CATL has introduced the Dual-Electric Range Extender — a power system for heavy-duty electric trucks that uses two independent batteries. The main battery is chassis-mounted and designed for quick replacement, while an additional 77 kWh unit is located behind the cab and serves as a backup power source.
The main idea behind the development is to allow the truck to use more of the swappable battery's charge before returning to the station. According to CATL, in conventional trucks with swappable batteries, drivers often change the battery when it has about 30% energy remaining, fearing discharge on the road. The additional unit allows increasing the depth of discharge of the main battery from approximately 70% to over 95%. When the charge reaches a set threshold, the system switches power to the backup battery in milliseconds.
The main battery is offered in two variants: 432 and 513 kWh. It can be leased, allowing carriers to reduce initial truck purchase costs. The additional battery remains part of the vehicle. CATL also states the possibility of adapting its characteristics to different operating conditions, including low temperatures.
The technology was introduced along with the development of the QiJi battery swap network. According to the company, the procedure takes about five minutes. CATL plans to increase the number of such stations in China to 900 by the end of 2026, to 2000 by 2027, and eventually aims to create a network of 10,000 points.
At the presentation, partners also signed agreements covering an initial order for 13,000 units. CATL expects that the combination of swappable batteries, backup power, and expanding infrastructure will make the operation of heavy-duty electric trucks more convenient for logistics companies.