CATL announces deals with Kyburz and Trailer Dynamics
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has signed agreements with Swiss electric vehicle manufacturer Kyburz and German company Trailer Dynamics at the IAA Transportation. Announcements on further deals are to follow shortly.
CATL and Kyburz have fixed by letter of intent that they will seek a supply agreement for CATL batteries to be used in the Swiss manufacturer’s vehicles. Kyburz is known for its electric cargo tricycles, which are used by Swiss Post, Austrian Post and Australia Post, among others. Details of the intended deal – such as quantities, preferred cell chemistry or price – have not yet been made public. So far, Kyburz has been using LiFePO4 batteries from an undisclosed manufacturer. Kyburz recycles these itself in a battery recycling plant in the canton of Zurich.
In other news, CATL also announced that it will deepen its existing partnership with the Aachen-based company Trailer Dynamics. In addition to the use of LFP batteries with cell-to-pack technology from CATL in the Aachen-based company’s eTrailers, both companies plan to expand the eTrailer products to certain markets and develop battery replacement solutions for the eTrailers.
Trailer Dynamics has made the electrification of long-haul trucks its mission. To this end, the company has developed a manufacturer-independent solution concept called Newton eTrailer, in which an electric drive train is integrated into the trailer. This effectively converts conventional trucks into plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Specifically, the electric semi-trailer reacts to the driving behaviour of its coupled tractor unit. According to Trailer Dynamics, it supports it with an integrated electric transmission system that intelligently manages energy resources along the entire route. “Both sides use the battery creatively for the semi-trailer, improving efficiency and also reducing operating costs,” the company specifies. On a route of 500 to 600 kilometres, fuel savings of up to 40 per cent are possible, it says.
CATL already announced two years ago that it was developing a 300-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with cell-to-pack (CTP) technology and cooling liquid for the Aachen-based company. According to information at the time, CTP technology should make an energy density of 155 Wh/kg achievable.
“IAA Transportation 2022 presents an important opportunity to demonstrate technological and product strengths and further expand our global partnership network,” expressed Li Xiaoning, Executive President of Overseas Commercial Application at CATL. “We are proud to be one of the key drivers advancing the vibrant commercial vehicle industry along with other global leaders.”
Incidentally, during the IAA Transportation, CATL received the Supplier Award from Daimler Truck in the Innovation category for the development and production of its high-voltage battery systems with a range of up to 500 kilometres, long service life and fast-charging capability. CATL’s battery systems will be used in the new eActros LongHaul from 2024.
CATL says it has other new or strengthened partnerships with Daimler Truck, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, Yutong, FAW Group, Dongfeng and King Long. Further deals are expected to be finalised “in the near future”.
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