CATL Launches China's Longest 1,250 km Battery Swap Route for Heavy-Duty Trucks
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world's leading battery manufacturer, has unveiled its longest battery swapping network for heavy-duty electric trucks through its subsidiary Qiji Energy. The new route spans 1,250 km along the Sichuan-Chongqing-Hubei section of the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, marking a significant milestone in commercial electric vehicle infrastructure.
Launched on December 23, 2025, this network allows drivers to swap batteries in about five minutes, with stations compatible with over 95% of mainstream heavy-duty truck models in China. Each standardized battery module delivers 171 kWh of capacity, and trucks can equip one to three modules based on route needs and load requirements. Drivers can reserve swaps and plan optimal routes via Qiji's cloud platform.
The advanced modules incorporate thermal diffusion prevention and Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technologies for enhanced safety and efficiency. According to CATL, the battery swap model can reduce annual operating costs by 30,000 to 60,000 yuan (approximately $4,300 to $8,500 USD) per truck while significantly lowering carbon emissions. For a typical heavy-duty truck traveling 200,000 km annually, switching to electric with battery swapping avoids emissions equivalent to the CO₂ absorbed by nearly 9,643 trees per year.
Qiji Energy is prioritizing the business-to-business (B2B) segment before expanding into consumer markets, aiming to gather feedback and build brand strength. The company has ambitious plans to construct a nationwide network covering 180,000 km by 2030, encompassing 80% of China's truck transportation capacity and 16 major urban clusters. This development comes amid booming demand for new energy heavy-duty trucks in China. In November 2025, sales surged 178% year-on-year to 28,000 units, pushing market penetration above 30% for the first time. Cumulative sales from January to November reached 187,000 units, with penetration rising to 25.95% from 12.54% the previous year.
CATL's push into heavy-duty truck battery swapping underscores its strategy to dominate electrification beyond passenger EVs, supporting China's goals for sustainable logistics and reduced emissions in the trucking sector.
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