CATL's new TECTRANS battery system for buses affirms 15-years lifespan

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a leading battery manufacturer from China, recently launched its advanced 'TECTRANS' battery system designed specifically for electric buses at the recently held IAA Transportation 2024 event in Germany. 

The company has claimed that the new battery pack represents a "quantum leap" in battery technology for commercial vehicles, offering unprecedented energy density, faster charging capabilities, and enhanced durability. 

This innovative system is poised to transform the electric commercial vehicle landscape, providing fleet operators with extended range, reduced downtime, optimized cost-effectiveness, and improved overall efficiency, it added. 

The TECTRANS - Bus Edition, with an energy density of 175Wh/kg, is claimed as the highest for LFP chemistry used in bus applications till date. Its compact design offers long-range capabilities and low energy consumption, enhancing vehicle layout flexibility. 

The advanced thermal management system maintains optimal performance across various climates, reducing internal temperature disparity by 50% and ensuring longevity even in extreme conditions, according to CATL. 

"Our batteries have proven their reliability and performance in extreme conditions, from operating in temperatures above 45°C in Qatar and Dubai to withstanding -35°C in Arctic countries like Norway and Sweden", said Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business, while highlighted the exceptional reliability of CATL batteries in various challenging environments. 

"The launch of the TECTRANS and the product lines demonstrates our unwavering commitment to driving energy transition through continuous innovation", he added. 

For buses and coaches, employing high-energy, high-press density cathode design at the micro level is said to significantly improves energy density, while a U-shaped seal and a zero-draft angle structural innovation result in a 22 percent increase in volumetric energy density compared with the previous generation.

Further, the electrolyte in the battery pack features an advanced additive molecular design and precise film-forming capability, resulting in ultra-stable interfaces and significantly improving cell service life, the manufacturer claimed. 

As the global industry leader, CATL is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electric transportation. TECTRANS is the culmination of our extensive R&D efforts and represents a significant step forward in commercial vehicle electrification", Akin Li noted.