Chinese battery manufacturing giant CATL has unveiled a new “cutting-edge” electric bus battery that boasts an industry-leading energy density of 175Wh/kg and a lifespan of up to 15 years.
Announced at the IAA Transportation 2024 convention being held in Hanover, Germany, the CATL Tectrans Bus Edition also features “a lighter and more compact design” that has been tailor made for the electric bus industry.
The CATL Tectrans Bus Edition also claims a service life of up to 15 years, or 1.5 million kilometres, and a warranty of 10 years, or 1 million kilometres.
Local Chinese automotive website CnEVPost also reported that the Bus Edition battery has an IP69 rating capable of withstanding 72 hours of water immersion – though, one imagines greater concerns for the bus if this capacity was necessary.
CnEVPost also reported that the CATL Tectrans Bus Edition will soon be in mass production and, thanks to new partnerships with 13 vehicle companies, CATL expects the battery will soon be put to use in 80 bus models.
CATL unveiled two other batteries, including the CATL Tectrans – T Superfast Charging Edition, which boasts the capability to recharge 70 per cent state of charge in just 50 minutes, and capacity between 200kWh and 600kWh with a maximum driving range of up to 500 kilometres.
“Having stood the test of time, this product sets a new benchmark for heavy-duty truck battery endurance, with an impressive lifespan of 8 years or 1.2 million kilometres,” said Aleksej Krükov, chief engineer of CATL Overseas Business.
Similarly, the CATL Tectrans – T Long Life Edition boasts a 15-year lifespan, or 2.8 million kilometres, up to 500 kilometres of range, and hinted at the possibility of battery swapping capability.
“This product boasts an impressive driving range of up to 500 kilometers, coupled with a battery warranty that spans the entire service life of the vehicle, ensuring meticulous cost management for your business,” said Krükov.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.