Chinese battery maker CATL has introduced a new ultra-fast charging battery for light commercial vehicles, targeting logistics fleets that want electric operation without long charging delays—particularly in time-sensitive delivery routes and cold weather.
The company launched the Tectrans II light commercial superfast charging edition commercial power battery, which it says can charge at a peak 8C rate. CATL described 8C as enabling extremely rapid charging, theoretically allowing a full charge in about one-eighth of an hour. In practice, CATL said the pack can reach 80% state of charge (SOC) in 6 minutes and 48 seconds, and reach a full charge in 8 minutes and 56 seconds. Those charging times are presented as comparable to the refueling time of gasoline internal combustion engine vehicles.
CATL said it designed the battery to address challenges that have slowed wider adoption of electric light commercial vehicles, including slow charging, concerns about battery life, reduced performance in winter, and inconsistent power levels at charging sites.
To support the fast charging capability, CATL pointed to lower internal resistance in the battery cells—about 50% of an industry average—which it said helps reduce heat buildup during rapid charging. The company also said it used atomic-level adjustments to the battery’s graphite particles to reduce active lithium loss and slow long-term degradation.
Winter performance is also a key feature. CATL said the battery needs only an additional 2 minutes and 30 seconds to charge in conditions of minus 20°C, aiming to reduce downtime for fleets operating in cold regions.
Beyond charging speed, CATL is positioning the battery as built for the lifespan of the vehicle. The company said it offers an ultra-long warranty of up to 10 years or 1 million kilometers, describing the goal as “battery lifespan matching vehicle lifespan.” CATL also argued that the warranty could strengthen resale value for used vehicles.
Alongside the battery, CATL rolled out “Choco” battery swap stations intended to serve both passenger and commercial vehicles. The stations are equipped with customized superfast charging piles designed to match the needs of light commercial vehicle batteries. CATL said the approach is meant to fit a variety of logistics use cases, including urban distribution, intercity transport, cold chain operations, and last-mile deliveries.
CATL plans to deploy 4,000 swap-and-charging facilities this year across nearly 190 cities in China, with the company aiming to reduce the time drivers spend searching for refueling options and to provide an “ultra-fast refueling experience.”
The Tectrans brand has expanded over the past two years. CATL introduced the Tectrans line in July 2024, including logistics-focused batteries offering 4C superfast charging and long-range capability. The brand was later broadened to heavy commercial vehicles and construction machinery. CATL also released a Tectrans II series in January 2026, including what it called the industry’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery for light commercial vehicles, designed to retain 90% of usable capacity at minus 40°C.
With the new battery and supporting infrastructure, CATL said its strategy is to close the refueling-time gap between electric vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles, while also addressing fleet concerns about battery durability. The company has also indicated plans to expand its swap-station approach to Europe via a joint venture, beginning with the UK later in 2026.
