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CATL bets on electric trucks with new battery packs and a big swap-station buildout

Published Oct 20, 2026
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Summary:
  • CATL rolled out upgraded battery packs for cargo e-trucks during a Tuesday showcase in Beijing.
  • The company says it has orders spanning 13,000 swap-ready units from SF Holding Co. and China Postal Express & Logistics Co.
  • Expansion plan: more than double e-truck battery swap sites to 2,000 by 2027, with a longer-term aim of 10,000.

What CATL announced

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. is leaning into electric trucks to drive growth, unveiling new battery hardware and outlining a larger swap network. The fresh lineup includes rear-mounted packs pitched as ultra light and ultra thin, designed for fleets where weight or space is at a premium.

Orders and market signal

CATL says it has secured orders for swap-system products covering 13,000 units, with commitments from major logistics names such as SF Holding Co. and China Postal Express & Logistics Co. That trajectory mirrors China's surge in adoption: in the latest month, electric-truck sales represented a bit more than half of the market, according to First Commercial Vehicle Network.

Swap stations, leasing and costs

Yang Jun, who runs CATL's e-truck battery swap business as chief executive officer, set targets to lift the swap network to 2,000 sites by 2027 and to reach 10,000 locations over a longer horizon. These stations let drivers quickly swap out a low battery for a charged one instead of waiting to plug in. CATL also plans flexible battery leasing so customers can match rental periods to usage. "This will minimize idle costs and offer more flexible options for off-season downtime, further helping fleets manage operating costs," the company said Tuesday.

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Market context

The stock has fallen this year on worries about intensifying competition, and the company was slated to post earnings later Tuesday. For investors, a bigger e-truck footprint, firm orders, and a scaled swap network point to a bid for steadier volume and utilization, which is what margins need in a price-pressured battery market.

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